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Overwatch League Teams Face Off In "Battle For L.A.," Look To Future

L.A.’s "newest rivalry took a big step toward joining its more established brethren" yesterday when Overwatch League franchises L.A. Gladiators and L.A. Valiant "squared off in the 'Battle for L.A.' at The Novo at L.A. Live," according to Arash Markazi of the L.A. TIMES. The Novo is a 2,400-seat performance venue that will serve as the home of the Valiant next season as the OWL "moves into the home markets of its 20 teams." Yesterday offered the "first glimpse of what that will look like" in L.A. Immortals Gaming Club "owns the Valiant with investment from AEG." Meanwhile, the Gladiators are owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and will "play their home games at a 6,000-seat performance venue" next to the Inglewood NFL stadium. Not only will the Valiant and Gladiators move into their new home arenas next year, but Immortals and KSE have also "bought two [L.A.] spots for the Call of Duty League, which is launching next year." As the "only city with two teams" in the OWL, COD League and the home of the League of Legends Championship Series, L.A. is "further solidifying itself as the epicenter of esports." As fans entered The Novo yesterday, the Valiant were "selling season tickets for next year, ranging from $15 for a standing-room ticket to $80 for a front-row seat" (L.A. TIMES, 8/25).

TAKING THE PLUNGE: In Minneapolis, Matthew Niksa noted the T'Wolves, along with Minnesota United and the owners of the Vikings, have "plunged into professional video games ... betting they will reach new fans and appeal to sponsors just as their real-life teams do." Vikings Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf "see long-term potential in e-sports, including teams for other games and possibly an e-sports arena in their Vikings Lakes development" in Eagan, Minn. (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/25).

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