Call of Duty League Teams Want More Revenue From Activision Blizzard

Franchised team owners within the Call of Duty League are currently engaged in active negotiations with Activision Blizzard to secure more favorable financial terms. The primary objective of these discussions is to obtain a larger share of revenue generated from in-game item sales and to reduce existing restrictions on independent sponsorships and partnerships. Owners are seeking greater autonomy to pursue commercial deals without league-level interference.

These negotiations are occurring against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge filed by prominent industry figures, including professional player Seth “Scump” Abner and OpTic Gaming founder Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez. The lawsuit alleges that Activision Blizzard maintains an illegal monopoly over the Call of Duty esports ecosystem. Central to these grievances is the claim that the publisher mandates an unconditional 50% revenue split on team-generated income, such as ticket sales and sponsorships, while simultaneously reserving exclusive rights to secure top-tier partnerships for itself.

The future of the league remains uncertain following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023. Industry observers are monitoring whether the new leadership will maintain the current franchised model or pivot toward a more open competitive structure, similar to the recent transition of the Overwatch League to the Overwatch Champions Series. These developments highlight ongoing tensions regarding the sustainability of the franchised esports business model and the balance of power between publishers and team organizations.