Activision releases new roster information for Call of Duty League

It appears the Call of Duty offseason won’t last long. In a new Reddit post, Activision released confirmed information regarding the upcoming Call of Duty League. While we already knew some of it, most of it is fresh intel that should make both viewers and professionals happy.

As the launch of Modern Warfare approaches, so too does the CoD League. Replacing traditional competitive CoD, this league will innovate the esport like never before. Transforming into a city-based model, the CoD League will start in 2020 with at least 9 teams. Here’s all of the information you need to know about the new league.

A peek into how the Call of Duty League rosters will work

Most of the information detailed by Activision surrounds the roster side of the CoD League. We previously reported on some of the financials of the rosters, but now we have concrete facts about how the rosters will look and act.

To start, each roster will consist of 7-10 players. This year, the game is being played 5v5 again, so anywhere from 2-5 extra players will sit on the bench. These extra players will act as substitutes, which can be made mid-series. For example, if one player is proficient in Search and Destroy only, the team can sub that player in for that map.

In terms of finances, each member will earn a base salary of $50,000 and receive health benefits, retirement benefits, and housing (if the player so desires). Every contract in the CoD League is guaranteed. Here are some of the key points explained by Activision in their Reddit post:

• The next season of Call of Duty esports for Pro Players will begin in 2020.
• Pro match play will be 5v5 Multiplayer team versus team competition, played on console. The rules may include mid-series substitutions.
• All pro players in the league will receive a minimum base salary of $50,000 USD per year, health care benefits, and retirement benefits. Teams are required to distribute at least 50% of their prize pool earnings to players directly.
• All pro player contracts will be guaranteed contracts; thus, any team that drops a player from their roster without cause is required to pay out that player’s remaining salary.

How teams can sign players to their roster

The biggest question the community had before this announcement was when can teams start signing players. Well, we now have an answer to that question.

• An Open Signing Window for all pro players begins September 3, 2019. This means that any player may negotiate and sign a new contract with any team in the league at this time. For the avoidance of doubt, players who are currently under contract with an existing organization remain subject to the terms of that contract while they negotiate new league contracts.
• Existing Call of Duty World League organizations who are transitioning into the new league as a city-based team will have the ability to sign players who are currently on their 2019 CWL rosters to new contracts 8 days earlier than any other organization beginning August 26.

In addition to this, players who have contracts through 2020 can negotiate with another team. However, the team that owns that contract has the right to match any offer for that player. Players can also be bought out by their current team for a fee.

Open brackets will still exist in the CoD League

Another lingering question about the new league surrounds Open Brackets. A staple of Call of Duty, Open Brackets are what started CoD esports, with MLG events being the pinnacle. Due to their popularity and roots, Activision is bringing them along to the upcoming league.

Now only for amateurs, these events will give these amateur players a chance to compete and show they deserve a spot on a league team. These events will be held in cities around the world and have dedicated prize pools. There’s currently no information on who will put on these events.

Make sure to check out Activision’s Reddit post for further details on the new CoD League. And keep up with Daily Esports for all Call of Duty coverage.