Final CDL Spot Reportedly Being Purchased By Boston Uprising Owners Kraft Sports Group
Following the merger between Dallas Empire (Envy) and OpTic Chicago to make OpTic Texas, the 12th and final Call of Duty League franchise spot is reportedly being sold to Kraft Sports Group, who are also the owners of Overwatch League side Boston Uprising.
Prior to the official acquisition of the CDL spot by Envy, NRG's attempts at selling to Washington Esports Ventures collapsed, despite the roster being all-but-confirmed, as well as a probable name surfacing as Demon Cats to commemorate the Capital's "D.C."
However, as OpTic Texas was formed, Envy found themselves with two allocations in the league, having to offload one before the start of the season.
Now, it appears that they have found a buyer, as reports have surfaced that Kraft Sports Group will be joining the CDL.
Kraft Sports Group Set To Join The Call of Duty League
According to Kevin Hitt of the Esports Observer, NFL's New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the Kraft Sports Group are set to be purchasing the Call of Duty League spot and fielding a team for the third season of the franchised esport.
Kraft Sports Group also owns OWL's Boston Uprising, a franchise that finished third in the inaugural season in 2018 and has since failed to make much of an impact. Hitt's report also suggested that they will partner with Oxygen Esports (an American-Turkish organisation often operating in Europe) to help manage the team.
The move will see the Kraft Sports Group join the likes of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment in owning NFL, OWL, and CDL teams (Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Gladiators, and Los Angeles Guerrillas), with Activision seemingly keeping faith in the organisations that operate in both esports divisions.
