Overwatch Launching To High Expectations, But Execs Preach Patience

The Overwatch League is set for its much-anticipated launch tonight, marking the "boldest gamble yet in esports." OWL execs "expect audience growth and well-run competitions in season one, but otherwise say the league should be evaluated as a long-term growth play with sustainability -- not an immediate splash -- the top priority." Sources said that team owners, who paid Activision Blizzard about $20M for their franchises, were "sold on a model showing them breaking even in five years." Viewership is the "most important metric out of the gate" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/8 issue). 

BLEACHER REPORT notes the OWL is at the "center of an esports moment, a league thrown into the gauntlet of high expectations." ESPN.com goes with, "Five Questions Heading Into The Overwatch League Debut." The PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS profiles Tucker Roberts, son of Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, who "will head the company’s" OWL team Fusion.