We’re already used to it by now. Traditional sports clubs have a keen eye on esports. Whether it’s Schalke’s bold move into the EU LCS, the Sixers investing in Dignitas and Apex Gaming, or Paris Saint-Germain’s commitment—less than two years after Beşiktaş Istanbul paved the way as the first sports club investing in esports, more than 30 clubs worldwide have dipped their toes into the industry to date. With Blizzard announcing a franchised league for its 2016 bestseller Overwatch, this appetite has only increased.

According to Reunited manager Frederik Kragh Christensen, a multitude of internationally renowned sports clubs are reaching out and having talks with Overwatch team owners after Blizzard’s announcement of a franchised Overwatch League starting 2017.

“As one of the best overwatch teams in the world, it is absolutely crucial for us to make sure that we make it to the league. So yes, we are in talks with clubs from NBA, Premier League, and Bundesliga, as we cannot do this by ourselves. Reunited is likely going to be acquired prior to the upcoming Overwatch league. And certainly, other esports teams will look to partner up with other sports teams moving towards the league,” Christensen said. “We didn’t finalize a deal yet and are still open to offers.”

Other team owners TEO reached out to chose not to comment. Some reasoned existing NDA’s—which, in fact, hints that talks are taking place—others stated that a lot of uncertainty still exists about Blizzard’s league, arguing it’s too early to give reasonable answers. However it’s highly likely that sports clubs show an increased interest in getting into the league. Other than Riot’s LCS model—which sparked a lot of confusion and insecurity lately—Blizzard’s approach to franchise its league right from the start is a bait that’s hard to resist.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]No fear of relegation, revenue share, constant media exposure—factors that warm the owners’ heart.[/perfectpullquote]

In a steadily changing environment like the esports industry, every tiny bit of investment security is welcome. And not much is more assuring to date than having a safe spot in a highly anticipated league. No fear of relegation, revenue share, constant media exposure—factors that warm the owners’ heart. Although, Blizzard didn’t reveal a lot of information yet. Team owners are still waiting for financial projections and a coherent business plan.

It will be interesting to see how the market develops. Other than in League of Legends, where the costs to buy a LCS spot plus roster is somewhere around $1.5 million, there’s no benchmark for Overwatch yet—at least when it comes to the prospect of participating in Blizzard’s league. A sudden rush of sports clubs coming to Overwatch esports as soon as Blizzard reveals more details is to be expected, though.