All Overwatch League homestands scheduled through the end of April have been cancelled.
According to a press release sent out by the Boston Uprising, OWL has opted to halt the league’s traveling schedule due to the spread of the coronavirus. This follows weeks of esports events being scrapped due to COVID-19, with OWL events being particularly hard-hit.
“Earlier today, the Overwatch League cancelled all homestand events for the remainder of March and the entirety of April, effective immediately,” the team said in a statement. “While the Uprising are disappointed that they are unable to host the April homestand as planned, the team fully supports the Overwatch League’s decision to take precautionary measures against the coronavirus to keep fans and the general public safe during this time.”
Per the Uprising, the league does not currently have any specific plans set when it comes to when or where these games will take place. This functionally pauses the next six weeks of the season and adds onto the OWL’s mounting woes.
Though the Atlantic Division has played out without issue, the Pacific Division has been rocked by the spread of the coronavirus. Even before the season started, Chinese teams saw their preparations for the seasons hindered by the intense travel restrictions in the country that were implemented to contain the disease.
Things didn’t slow down from there, however. The Overwatch League cancelled all homestands scheduled by Chinese teams, and rescheduled the games for another homestand that was set to be hosted by the Seoul Dynasty. That event was also cancelled, leaving the OWL’s schedule in a state of limbo.
These troubles have since crossed into the western hemisphere. Europe and North America have both seen sizable coronavirus outbreaks, something that has seen a number of esports and gaming events cancelled.
The Boston Uprising noted that this doesn’t mean the OWL season is going to end. It noted that its previously scheduled homestand for June 27 and 28 will continue on as planned.
This remains a tough blow to the Overwatch League, however. Season 3 was meant to transform the league into a traveling, global show. The coronavirus has seriously undermined both the competitive calendar and the fan experience in a way that cannot be repaired.
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