How Blizzard convinced sports billionaires to buy into the Overwatch League

[Gothmog]

ESPN has several reporters covering esports. This article on Overwatch is interesting http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/24203693/how-blizzard-convinced-robert-kraft-other-billionaires-buy-overwatch-league

With 12 franchises based in 11 cities across the U.S. and around the world, OWL boasts founding families such as the Krafts (New England Patriots), the Kroenkes (Los Angeles Rams) and the Wilpons (New York Mets).

Why did these American sports titans invest millions in a brand-new esports league? Because there had never been anything like the Overwatch League before. It is the most ambitious esports project ever attempted -- a truly global league whose success could transform the gaming landscape once and for all.

To pull this off, Blizzard aggressively recruited traditional sports owners like the Krafts, and now, on the first day of the Overwatch League finals at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, that investment will reach its zenith. Here's the inside story of how Blizzard convinced one of the most successful owners in sports to join its very new, very risky venture.,,,,

ctivision Blizzard officially announces the first seven Overwatch League franchises, based in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Shanghai and Seoul. Among the new owners are the Wilpon family, owners of the New York Mets, as well as endemic esports organizations like NRG Esports, Immortals and Misfits, who between them have investment from owners of the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat.

This is a major business now.