Rumors surrounding OpTic Gaming’s involvement in the upcoming Call of Duty League season have run rampant since the 2021 season came to a close. The organization in question has been a staple of the Call of Duty community for over ten years. With yet another OpTic Gaming merger on the horizon, the league-wide implications can prove to be drastic.
OpTic Gaming: it’s complicated
Before we get into the latest news involving a potential OpTic Gaming merger, it is important to note that this isn’t the first time OpTic has experienced turmoil on the business side of things. Back in 2019, The Immortals Gaming club acquired OpTic’s parent company Infinite Esports. The move saw long-time OpTic owner Hector “Hecz” Rodriguez join NRG as co-CEO. Many believed this to be the death of OpTic. The company essentially lost everything that was synonymous with the brand including its Call of Duty roster and its outgoing CEO.
In a turn of events that nobody could have predicted, Hecz would buy OpTic back from Immortals only one year later. Hecz would not sever his ties to NRG. Instead, the companies acted in unison to fund a CDL team under the OpTic Gaming name. The team would be known as OpTic Chicago. CDL teams certainly aren’t cheap. There’s no doubt that the financial backing from both companies was vital in keeping the authentic OpTic name alive in the Call of Duty community.
Here’s where things start to get a little complicated. Talks have circulated regarding OpTic’s inability to fund a CDL franchise. We know that franchises come at a premium. This steep price likely caused the relationship between NRG and Hecz to sour. Nonetheless, NRG continued to fund the team through the 2021 season. However, Envy has now swooped in as a possible partnership heading into the new season.
OpTic Dallas?
The move would function as a rebranding or rather fusing of two current franchises. Longtime rival and competitor Mike “Hastr0” Rufail would join forces with Hecz. Hastr0 currently owns the Dallas Empire franchise which has enjoyed a ton of success in the CDL. The rebranding would likely see the Dallas location preserved under the OpTic name and brand. The fact that both Dallas Empire and OpTic Chicago are currently left with two players on their respective rosters means a fusion to a four-man roster is a real possibility. Reports have suggested that the OpTic Dallas roster would consist of Seth “Scump” Abner, Brandon “Dashy” Otell, Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro, and Indervir “iLLeY” Dhaliwal.
Announcement pending
Some fans took to social media to express the fact that they feel shortchanged by the potential merger. Long-time fans of OpTic were not the only ones to take the news negatively. NRG CEO Andy Miller liked this tweet that sums up the situation OpTic seemingly created. Personally, I’m under the impression that Hecz has done enough for the OpTic brand and fanbase to be able to choose how to run his business. Time and again Hecz has been the man in charge. His decisions have led to the emergence of the most popular brand in Call of Duty esports. He has earned the right to steer the OpTic ship.
OpTic’s financial struggles are a worrying sight for fans of the CDL. Time and again OpTic has generated the most match views, most merch sales, and most viewed original content, yet they can’t seem to be a profitable organization. If the most successful franchise in Call of Duty history is grappling with financial issues, how can any of the remaining organizations hope to avoid a similar fate?
With negotiations ongoing throughout the offseason, it will be interesting to note how this story unfolds. One thing is certain, the new season is approaching quickly and with Vanguard releasing in November, teams will be looking to build chemistry and practice as early as possible. It is safe to expect an announcement this fall.
Also Check Out: Drazah remains with Los Angeles Thieves
