The franchise league model has already begun to make its mark in the esports industry, as the likes of the Overwatch League, North American League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS) and the Clash Royale League have gone all in with the model that many traditional professional sports league use. As with anything, there are positives and negatives to the franchise model for esports leagues. Critics point to the model allowing for teams who underperform to keep their spot in leagues by having deep pockets, while supporters state the model provides much needed stability in the esports world.

Twin Galaxies was able to recently speak with Team Dignitas CEO Michael Prindiville, who shared his thoughts on how the franchise model has affected the esports industry.

"It’s been a game-changer. Franchised leagues run by innovative publishers with games that have global appeal and a large fan base brings real legitimacy to the overall space. It’s provided stability for organizations, a heightened product and unparalleled opportunities for brands to authentically connect with fans," said Prindiville.

The Overwatch League is Blizzard's first venture into developing a franchised esports league. (Source: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment)

With two of the biggest esports leagues in the world in the Overwatch League and NA LCS adopting the franchise model, there has been questions regarding if other esports would create their own franchised leagues. However, Prindiville does not believe that the model would be beneficial for every esports title and scene.

"No, not the majority of esports leagues. Every esport is different and at a different point in its trajectory. Franchising works well for games with global appeal, established communities and massive audience bases. New games getting into esports requires time to build the audience and see what works and what doesn’t work," said Prindiville. "A good example of this approach is how Supercell is handling its esports. After a few years of scattered competitions, they have now formed a robust, impeccably planned global league. Watching their evolution and how franchising may or may not manifest itself will be a fascinating case study for the space."

2018 is the first year that the NA LCS operated under the franchise model. (Source: LoL Esports)

Team Dignitas does not currently hold a spot or own a team in a franchised esports league, but that does not mean that the veteran esports organization is not actively scouting possible opportunities to acquire one.

"We are looking at all the opportunities out there analyzing them and performing our due diligence. Each opportunity is quite different, but Team Dignitas is always looking to play in the biggest and best leagues in the world so long as the opportunity makes strategic sense," said Prindiville.

The franchise model has looked to be very successful for the Overwatch League and NA LCS and is expected by Supercell to work very well for its Clash Royale League, but it remains to be seen if other esports scenes will embrace the model in the future.

(cover photo courtesy of Team Dignitas)