The debate over whether esports are really sports is becoming moot. Today, the Overwatch League announced that it had sold more than 20,000 tickets for the league’s Grand Finals to be played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn at the end of July. In comparison, the average attendance for a Nets game last season was 15,376 and for the Islanders only pulled in 12,002. (Although the arena’s NBA franchise admittedly finished 13th in the Eastern Conference, and its NHL team finished seventh in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division.)
“We knew the Overwatch League had amazing, enthusiastic fans, but this is something else,” said Nate Nanzer, Overwatch League commissioner, in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited to play to a packed house at one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment arenas.”
The Overwatch League regular season began in mid-January, and will run through to the Stage 4 Finals on Jun. 17. From there, six teams will qualify for the Playoffs, scheduled from Jul. 11 through Jul. 17 at the Blizzard Arena in Los Angeles. The top two teams will square off in the inaugural Grand Finals in Brooklyn on Jul. 27 and 28, with the winner taking home $1 million.
“We are thrilled with the momentum behind the Overwatch League Grand Finals,” said Keith Sheldon, EVP of programming for BSE Global, in a statement. “Our goal at Barclays Center is to be the destination for major esports events. That vision is taking shape as a result of a great partnership with the talented team behind the Overwatch League.”
SportTechie Takeaway
Esports have jumped to the fore in the last few years. Not only has the Overwatch League filled the Barclays Center for its finals in July, but the NBA launched the NBA 2K league at the beginning of May, featuring 17 teams affiliated with pro basketball franchises. The NBA 2K is already planning to expand next season, too.