After the 2023 season, teams were given a choice to either continue under a new operating agreement or exit the league. A two-thirds majority voted to depart, triggering a $6 million termination fee paid by Blizzard to each participating team.
Activision Blizzard paid approximately $114 million in total to buy out the remaining 19 franchises. Current Status: Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) overwatch league buy in
For the second season, eight new teams joined with buy-in costs ranging from $35 million to $60 million , depending on the market (with higher prices for major cities like New York and Los Angeles). The Dissolution and Buyouts (2023–2024) After the 2023 season, teams were given a
With the league's end, the associated "buy-in" for fans (Overwatch League Tokens) is also being phased out. Current Status: Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) For the
In mid-2023, Activision Blizzard agreed to waive all outstanding franchise fees owed by the teams, which at the time totaled roughly $6 million to $7.5 million per team.
Following years of declining viewership and financial strain, the franchise model was dismantled.