OverActive Media Confirms all OWL Franchise Fees Have Been Waived

OverActive Media has officially confirmed that Activision Blizzard has waived all outstanding franchise entry fees for the Overwatch League (OWL). This financial adjustment, valued at approximately $6 million USD ($8.2 million CAD), will be reflected in the company’s fourth-quarter 2023 financial results. The waiver was part of a broader agreement established in June 2023, which also included a new sponsorship deal between the league and the Toronto Defiant, the franchise owned by OverActive Media. The total value of this comprehensive deal is estimated at $8.04 million USD ($10.8 million CAD).

The elimination of these fees was conditional upon the completion of the 2023 OWL season and is distinct from the separate, ongoing negotiations regarding the future of the league. Franchise owners are currently participating in a vote to determine whether to continue their participation in the league, with Activision Blizzard offering a $6 million exit payment to those who choose to depart.

The industry landscape remains uncertain as the league evaluates its 2024 structure. Reports indicate that several prominent organizations, particularly those based in China, are expected to vote to exit the league following the dissolution of Activision Blizzard’s licensing partnership with NetEase. As the league considers potential collaborations with third-party tournament organizers for the upcoming season, the final composition of the OWL remains contingent on the outcome of these franchise-level decisions.