As Activision and Call of Duty have worked to franchise the Call of Duty World League for 2020, it appears not everyone will be along for the ride. The price to be a part of it is hefty and - it seems - just a bit too high for 100 Thieves. 100 Thieves CEO and Founder Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag recently announced that his organization won’t be committing to acquiring a franchise spot in the new CWL system and, as a result, 100 Thieves will not be a part of the official 2020 Call of Duty esports circuit.
Nadeshot made the announcement on 100 Thieves behalf on August 29, 2019 via the 100 Thieves Twitter. In the announcement, Nade stated with no lack of disappointment that 100 Thieves would not go after a franchise spot in the 2020 CWL. The main reason for backing away from the CWL mostly fell down to the substantial costs that come with securing and maintaining a franchise spot in the CWL.
It is with a very heavy heart we announce that 100 Thieves will not be participating in competitive Call of Duty in 2020. pic.twitter.com/cdJD9DdUvQ
— 100 Thieves (@100Thieves) August 29, 2019
“It’s so expensive,” Haag explained. “Not only are there a lot of upfront costs, but there are a ton of operational costs that we’d be spending money on for years, and we are just not equipped and not prepared to make that jump and to make that decision to be all in. We just can’t be.”
Indeed, back in March 2019 when Activision and Call of Duty’s CWL franchising system was shaping up, the cost the buy in was reported to be around $25 million, and that was just to secure a spot in the league. Nadeshot claims that attempting to chase after that spot at such cost would sabotage the security of jobs, the brand, and the ongoing future investments of the 100 Thieves organization.
Nadeshot also expressed disinterest in finding a city to franchise the team around as required by the new CWL system.
“This is a worldwide brand,” Nade expanded. “This is an all-encompassing brand. It’s something that I want everyone to feel like they’re a part of it, in more ways than one.”
Haag finished in thanking his Call of Duty team and the 100 Thieves fans for all of their support through their efforts in the CWL. Even in closing, Haag claims that 100 Thieves’ involvement in COD is likely not over indefinitely.
“Best of luck to the Call of Duty community,” Nade expressed. “I doubt this’ll be the last time you hear about 100 Thieves or see my face, so just thank you.”
Such as the case, Twin Galaxies wishes 100 Thieves the best of luck, and looks forward to a future where they find a reasonable avenue back to the Call of Duty circuit.