CWL adds LA and Minnesota to Team Roster
Count another two teams for the upcoming franchised-based Call of Duty World League with the additions of Los Angeles and Minnesota to the list of cities who will be represented.
The LA franchise will be operated by Immortals Gaming Club while the Minnesota team will be operated by the Wilf family-led WISE Ventures. The additions bring the team tally up to seven.
“I’m excited to welcome the newest teams, Los Angeles and Minnesota, to our incredible lineup – Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Paris and Toronto – for Call of Duty esports,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. “Together, these ownership groups represent some of the very best organizations in esports and traditional sports who will join us in paving the way for the future of professional, city-based competition for Call of Duty, beginning next year.”
WISE Ventures is led by an ownership group with deep sports & entertainment and real estate experience. The Wilf family operates the Minnesota Vikings franchise in the National Football League.
“Esports and competitive gaming has clearly emerged as a major force in the sports and entertainment industry,” said ownership partner Jonathan Wilf. “We have explored various opportunities in esports over the past few years, and we believe the new Call of Duty esports league is well positioned for long term success.”
Immortals Gaming Club will operate the Call of Duty esports team in Los Angeles, represented by their newly acquired OpTic Gaming. Immortals Gaming Club now operates two franchised esports teams in Los Angeles under the Activision Blizzard banner – including the Los Angeles Valiant in the Overwatch League.
“We’re very excited to welcome WISE Ventures into the esports community and to partner with both WISE Ventures and OpTic Gaming for the future of Call of Duty esports,” said Pete Vlastelica, President and CEO at Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues. “Activision Blizzard Esports is dedicated to partnering with organizations that have a passion for competitive entertainment and share our vision for the future of esports.”
