Last weekend, Overwatch League Commissioner Nate Nanzer sent shock waves around the esports community by leaving Activision Blizzard and taking on a “new opportunity” with Epic Games. There was no further conformation on what Nanzer’s official role would be with Epic Games.

 Money has done a lot of things for Epic Games as of late. Not only is Epic hosting their Fortnite World Cup in July with a prize pool of $30 million, but they also bought Psyonix, which owns and runs another top game Rocket League.

 When I heard the news, my first question was: Why now? After having back-to-back successful seasons in the Overwatch League, why leave now? Nanzer has successfully developed a franchised esports league, something we have never seen before, closely resembling what we know as other professional sports such as the NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL. The Overwatch League continues to grow in viewership and the league has expanded in one year from 12 teams to 20.  The league has also expanded teams across three different continents in six countries.

 With the confirmed rumor of the CWL (Call of Duty) becoming a franchised league next year, the big question becomes:  What’s next? Pete Vlastelica, formally of Fox Sports, is expected to take over for Nanzer as President and CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues.

 With Fortnite being a 100-player battle-royale, last-man-standing format, it has had its challenges in competitive formats. While Epic Games’ newly acquired game Rocket League has had previous success in competitive formats.

 Could Rocket League be the next franchised esport? Time will tell. But one thing is for certain: Epic Games wants to build something big and who’s better to do that from the ground up than Nanzer.

— Jordan Goethe, Sportsfan 1330