Overwatch League reportedly adding Toronto team for $35 million
Splyce to partner with OverActive Media, Pittsburgh Penguins investor
Blizzard is adding two North American-based Overwatch League teams to its roster during the current offseason. The first, already announced, will be based in Atlanta. The second will reportedly call Toronto home.
SportsBusiness Daily reports that the company is currently finalizing a deal with professional esports organization Splyce to take on ownership of a Toronto-based Overwatch League franchise. Splyce would partner with OverActive Media Group as owners, and further backing capital would come from entrepreneur and Pittsburgh Penguins investor Michael Kimel, as well as Westdale Construction (which is largely controlled by Kimel's uncle, Ron Kimel).
The deal is expected to be around $35 million, and will give Splyce team ownership and a 10% stake. Splyce already owns teams across multiple games, including Hearthstone, World of Warcraft, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, and League of Legends.
Overwatch League plans to add a total of six teams during this offseason. In addition to Atlanta and now reportedly Toronto, a team has been officially announced for Guangzhou, China. The remaining three teams will be located outside of North America, and ESPN has reported that one may be based in Paris.