Overwatch League 2021 Has Two-Way Restrictions Removed By Blizzard
As Blizzard Entertainment brings the Overwatch League 2020 to a close, there are new roster construction controls that will be brought into play for the 2021 season. The playoffs are edging closer as all 20 teams have their eyes on the prize, but that doesn't mean we haven't started looking at what comes next.
The official Blizzard site has revealed the changes, with the biggest arguably being the length of contracts and guarantees. Although some things are staying the same, Blizzard is shaking up how things work ahead of the 2021 OWL.
An overhaul of two-way contracts will fundamentally change the inner-workings of the Overwatch League and Contenders for 2021. There are no limits on the number of players who can be signed to a two-way contract. Two-way players on teams with no academy team affiliate can also participate in Contenders competitions and will still get salary and benefits - in line with OWL minimum wage.
If a two-way player doesn't play in five consecutive Overwatch League matches over a minimum of three consecutive weeks, they are eligible to compete in Contenders or other non-league Overwatch esports competitions by Blizzard.
Click to enlargeElsewhere, measures that are coming into play right now mean that if a member of a squad contracts COVID-19 or chooses not to travel, a team can "sign a free agent to replace that player".
Replacement signings will see their contracts expire after the 2020 season, meaning they're able to sign for whoever in 2021. The only rules for these free agents are that they must have citizenship for a country in Asia and an existing visa to travel to countries in Asia.
The key dates include September 14, where "Teams may begin signing free agents not currently under contract to any Overwatch League team, and extending or otherwise signing their current roster players to standard contracts for the 2021 season". From November 23, all teams must have at least seven players signed for season-long contracts until the end of the 2021 season.
A team can have a maximum of twelve players signed to any type of contract (at any time) during the 2021 season. The maximum someone can be signed for is a three-season contract, which also included an any team option year. Those born before June 30, 2003 are able to compete in the Overwatch League. Blizzard said, "We look forward to seeing how each team’s roster comes together for the 2021 Overwatch League season!".
Images via Blizzard Entertainment | Overwatch League
