Atlanta and Guangzhou Confirmed for Overwatch League Expansion
By Zac Cameron ·
After much speculation about which cities would make the cut, Blizzard has today announced two new cities to join the Overwatch League.
After much speculation on how exactly the Overwatch League would begin to expand beyond the current teams, Blizzard have today announced the two newest cities to join the competition once it resumes in 2019. Guangzhou, China, and Atlanta, Georgia, will be the next two cities to house Overwatch League teams for the second season.
“After thrilling fans with an amazing Grand Finals at the Barclays Center, we’re excited to follow that up by expanding the Overwatch League next season,” said Pete Vlastelica, president and CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues. “We’re pleased to add the Atlanta and Guangzhou teams to the ownership group, and we look forward to bringing the league to even more fans across both regions in 2019.”
“We know Atlanta and Guangzhou have deeply engaged fan communities and we can’t wait to unveil their teams,” said Nate Nanzer, commissioner of the Overwatch League. “As the league continues to grow, we’re looking forward to seeing more talented pros in action as more roster spots open up.”
The Atlanta team is owned by Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media, and automotive services company. Atlanta Esports Ventures—a partnership between Cox and Province, Inc.—will operate the team.
"The popularity of Overwatch and esports in general has created a diverse fanbase that we in Atlanta are excited to engage,” said Paul Hamilton, president and CEO of Atlanta Esports Ventures, a partnership between Cox Enterprises and Province, Inc. “With the creativity of Blizzard Entertainment and the determination of Atlanta Esports Ventures, we are poised to create the preeminent esports team in the heart of the Southeast.”
“The esports phenomenon is only getting bigger and the Overwatch League is at the center of the excitement,” said Dallas Clement, chief financial officer of Cox Enterprises. “Atlanta has some of the most passionate fans in the world—and now, we get to bring this energy to the Overwatch League. We are thrilled to help lead the evolution of esports by building a team in our hometown."
The Guangzhou team is owned and operated by Nenking Group, a financial and entertainment conglomerate, and owner of the Guangzhou Long Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.
“We are so excited to bring an Overwatch League team to Guangzhou,” said Zhong Naixiong, chairman of the Nenking Group. “The Nenking Group and the Long Lions have deep roots in this region, and we can’t wait to represent our city on the world stage and make our fans proud.”
For now, details such as team names, logos, and rosters will be revealed at a later date.