'Overwatch' League to launch in December with 12 teams

Blizzard Entertainment revealed today the final three franchises competing in its premiere Overwatch esports league and pegged the kick-off date for its first pre-season matches: Dec. 6.

Overwatch League franchises are coming to Philadelphia, Dallas, and Houston, bringing the total team count for the inaugural season of Overwatch League to 12 -- nine in the U.S., one in England, and two in East Asia. Pre-season exhibition matches start Dec. 6, and the actual first season start Jan. 10 and runs through to the playoffs and finals in July.

The Philadelphia franchise was bought by the company Comcast Spectator, which also owns the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and manages hundreds of sports and entertainment venues in the U.S., Canada, and Singapore. The Dallas spot was purchased by esports team organization Team EnVyUs and its investor Hersh Interactive Group (which just invested $35 million in the organization). OpTic Gaming grabbed the Houston franchise.

The nine previously announced franchises are in Boston, London, Los Angeles, Miami-Orlando, New York City, San Francisco, Seoul, and Shanghai, with two franchises set in Los Angeles. Team owners include a mix of traditional sports team executives, esports team owners, and media companies.

For the first season, all matches will take place in Los Angeles as teams establish venues in their home cities. Blizzard recently revealed its own esports-centric Blizzard Arena opening in Los Angeles, although Blizzard has not said whether all matches will be played in the arena.

More details about league format, schedules, and tickets will be coming at a later date.