Nadeshot pushes back on the idea that franchising ruined competitive CoD

With recent changes to the structure of Call of Duty esports, commenters and critics alike are looking to figure out how we got here. Now, 100 Thieves founder Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag has weighed in on why he thinks franchising fell short for the Call of Duty League.

Activision recently re-committed resources to competitive CoD on April 16 by reaching a new agreement to support organizations more in the future, but the future didn’t always look so bright. Before striking a deal, rumors circulated, questioning if the league could financially survive, and Activision found itself entrenched in a $700 million legal battle with OpTic Gaming over an alleged “unlawful monopoly” over the Call of Duty League.

A key part of the deal was canceling entry fees and a full refund of $25.1 million entry for the 12 organizations who originally paid. As a result, this opens the door for organizations to join the league that previously couldn’t pay the hefty fee. Nadeshot argues that this would be a pivotal factor in determining if competitive CoD will reach the same highs as in years past.

“I actually think it’s the competitive format of franchising that has hurt esports, not the actual franchising,” Haag said. Before forming the CDL in 2020, Activision formed the Call of Duty World League in 2016. Teams participated in Open tournaments, and a select few qualified for CoD Champs. Because of the franchise entry fee required to join the CDL, competitive CoD no longer held open tournaments and cut down on the number of events per year.

Nadeshot proposes that the league return to the competitive way CoD structured tournaments before franchising. “There are 12 CDL teams. We have five open bracket tournaments a year and then CoD Champs for the sixth event of the year. Then you have the open bracket, where four teams come out of the open bracket and then are placed in pool play with the other 12 CDL teams,” said Haag.

Activision has not revealed plans for how the league structure will change following the new deal for the 2025 season. However, organizations have already expressed interest in joining the CDL if there is an opportunity. Activision’s concessions in the new revenue deal are an admission that change needs to be made, and Nadeshot’s suggestion could be the best way to ensure financial security for the league moving forward.