Blizzard forms new esports division with MLG name, will manage Overwatch League and Call of Duty World League

Zorine Te
Overwatch League will start this year. (Blizzard)
Overwatch League will start this year. (Blizzard)

Blizzard has announced the formation of a new esports division that is responsible for Overwatch esports and operations and media production for the Call of Duty World League.

The division will take the Major League Gaming name and operate the MLG-branded media network, which will broadcast Blizzard and Activision esports content and “other premium gaming programming.”

MLG will handle the management, operation, sales, and distribution for Overwatch Esports programs, which includes Overwatch League and Overwatch World cup. The division will act as the main hub for Overwatch League and the aforementioned Call of Duty World League. Responsibilities include team, media, advertising, and sponsorship sales as well as league management, content development, and event production.

It’s worth noting that Blizzard’s separate esports team will continue managing the global esports programs for Heroes of the Storm, Hearthstone, StarCraft, and World of Warcraft. However, MLG will be utilized for media production, sales, and distribution.

A few months ago Blizzard president and co-founder Mike Morhaime discussed the future of the Overwatch League during an earnings call. At the time, he said that Blizzard was going to start identifying team owners “soon”.

For more on the latest in Overwatch news, check out our hub.