Player Streaming Policy

DVE RWATCH
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Streaming Policy

- In {his Policybelow) is a prominent part of the esports landscape and provides an authentic

at er to develop a following with fans The Overwatch League LLC (the? League) Is supportive

lie 5 uesii to engage with fans In a positive way However, certain practices may cause confusion

7? ?Hg ana others, or otherWIse reflect poorly on the League the teams in the League (the? 'T__eams 

oi Actiwsion Blizzard, lnc. (together with its subsidiaries, ?Activision Blizzard?). Accordingly, the League has
adopted this Policy to clarify each player?s responsibilities with respect to streaming.

2. 

What is streaming?
To understand this Policy, there are two key terms you need to know:

0 ?Streaming? means any telecast, webcast, transmission, broadcast or distribution of video
game content (defined below) to viewers not participating in the particular streamed game
(whether on a live, delayed, recorded or on-demand basis) via any interface, channel, site,
offering, network, application, device or other platform (including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook,
Twitter, Azubu, Beam, Douyu.tv, Afreecatv, Huya, Streamable, nycat and Reddit), whether
now known or hereafter developed (collectively, ?Platforms?). "Streaming? does not, however,
include one?to-one communications.

0 ?Video game content? means the audio?visual content that is displayed during the playing of
any video game. The term ?video game content? consists of the content displayed during
competitive or non?competitive play, including any training, practice sessions, scrimmages,
matches, play for amusement, entertainment or instruction and all other gameplay scenarios,
but does not include individual elements of the video game characters, artwork,
screenshots, etc.) in isolation or otherwise altered from how the overall audio-visual content

is displayed during actual gameplay. I. 

 

.4 NON
-l in whom does this Policy app/y?
.Izm?ws to any person who is then under contract with any Team to play Overwatch in the

IiIoss of whether he or she is on the Team?s active roster at the time), (ii) any person who has

I - paperwork to participate in the League?s annual player selection process (unless
lt? dues not enter into a contract with any Team within the time designated by the League
.wguc?a annual player selection process), and all managers, coaches and other full?time
Ii .lil?. icain (clauses collectively, ?Players").



. Ie-isonsil'ile for ensuring that all of his or her streaming of video game content is conducted

What Is wholly consistent and in compliance with the terms of this Policy and any applicable

Roi-es (as defined below) and that all of the terms of this Policy and any applicable Official Rules that

(Is: (able to. the Player are adhered to by any Platform that is owned or controlled by any party other
:he League or Activision Blizzard or its designated streaming partners (a "Third Party Platform).

  

8. Does this Policy apply to endorsements by Players television commercials or trailers) that
do not involve streaming?

No. A Player may endorse products and services so long as the Player and the endorsement do not
mention, reference or include any video game content of Overwatch or any other game published by
Activision Blizzard (?Other Activision Blizzard Games"), (ii) do not utilize any League, Team or Activision
Blizzard logos, trademarks or other intellectual property, do not endorse any product or service on the
Off Limits List (as defined below), (iv) are not likely to bring the League, any of its Teams, Activision Blizzard,
any of its games or the Player or any other Player into Disrepute (as defined below) and are otherwise
in compliance with the Official Rules. For purposes of this policy, ?Of?cial Rules? means the official rules,
standards, policies and practices as defined by the League from time to time.

C. Does this Policy allow a Player to stream with other Players?

Players are permitted to stream video game content from a game that the Player is playing either alone or
with one other Player. If more than two Players are playing a game, then they will be deemed to be playing
as a "team" and therefore may not stream any video game content related to that game without the prior
approval of the League and their respective Teams. Players are responsible for ensuring that Third Party
Platform providers do not aggregate streams of individual Players to give the appearance of multiple Players
playing together.

4. KEY PRINCIPLES

  

What are the most important considerations to keep in mind when streaming? .

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In treating the video game content, Players must use the most current commercially
version of the game, with all then-published patches and updates to the game.

.2 om may Players utilize any ?cheats" that have not been published by the publisher
?In oi any other software that impacts the performance of the game.

mung must comply with all laws regarding copyrights, trademarks, rights of
2' t. not other intellectual property rights. Players must not infringe any copyrights,

kn Iigilit of publicity or other intellectual property rights (including League and

.. ?2ni' mam names) in connection with their streaming. Any use of the

~11. rights of publicity or other intellectual property rights of the

xi I. 2. I. forany business or commercialventure?including any streaming that

Player in any way? is strictly prohibited, unless it has been pre?approved

:y nut-pr the applicable Team. That said, when streaming Overwatch video
;a?e cor-tent Players may wear clothing displaying League and Team trademarks and

other inte?lectual property, subject to any restrictions on such use that may be imposed by
the League or the applicable Team.

All Players are responsible for ensuring that they (and any applicable Platforms) have all
necessary rights to use any other intellectual property (including any music, background
images or use of logos or other trademarks) that is included in the video game content.

Players may not directly or indirectly endorse the playing or purchase of any Non-Activision
Blizzard Game in any manner, including by making any calls to purchase or making any
statements which constitute endorsement, marketing or advertising for such Non?
Activision Blizzard Game.

In no event may any streaming include any video game content, actions, comments,
language or other material that could be expected to bring any Player, the League, any of
its Teams, any direct or indirect owner of any Team, any executive or other employee of
the League, Activision Blizzard or any of its games, products and services or any
broadcaster, distributor, sponsor, licensee or other business partner of the League or any
of its Teams into Disrepute (collectively, ?Protected Entities"). For purposes of this Policy,
the term "Disrepute" means any activity or practice that brings any of the Protected
Entities into public disrepute, scandal or ridicule or shocks or offends the community, or},
derogates from the Protected Entities? public image, or is or could reasonably be exp cheat?

game, tournament or competition or the impartiality of the League or any 
any political, violent, threatening, discriminatory, harassing or dgEa



  
   

 

artinns or any encouragement or endorsement of any of the foregoing. Players must use
nutmnaltlo ellnits to ensure that any fan commentary adheres to the same principles
ht any commentary that could bring any Protected Entity into

.?Ixtt?pIIti?

I '2 m: a Player mustclearly communicate that any opinions expressed are solely
on lO   nions and that any commentary or other statements made by the Player
p2 should not be attributable to the League, any of its Teams or



2. suit \?ldt??O game content or any Third Party Platform through which the
is streamed link to any web site or other Platform of the League, any
lizzard without express written permission from such entity.
2?2 U. can-?m comply with all laws, rules and regulations of everyjurisdiction in which
the streaming is made available, including, without limitation, any laws, rules or regulations
relating to advertising or endorsements.

Players may not disclose any non?public or proprietary information of or relating to the
League, any of its Teams, Activision Blizzard or any of its games, including any non-public

or proprietary information regarding any sponsor or other business partner of the League
or any Team, either during or otherwise in connection with such streaming.

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To what extent may Players monetize their streaming?

Players streaming Overwatch or any Other Activision Blizzard Game may place (and may permit Platforms
to place) advertising and sponsorships in their streams or in overlays of their streams, including accepting
direct advertising and sponsorships, provided that in no event may any streaming endorse, promote,
feature or otherwise reference any products or services that are on the Off Limits List (as defined below),
(ii) in no event shall such advertising or sponsorship modify, alter or otherwise interfere with the proper
rendering ofthe video game content associated with the stream. Players may accept direct payment from
Third Party Platforms for any streaming permitted under this Policy with respect to Overwatch and as}!
Other Activision Blizzard Game. Player may also accept direct payment from fans g. tips, subscripttons;

etc). Players may not directly or indirectly market or sell any digital or physical merchandise that me
or references any logos, trademarks or other intellectual property of the League, any of its
Activision Blizzard (including any intellectual property related to Overwatch or any Other 

Game) without the applicable entity?s consent; however, Players are permitted to market and I

List).

   
  

Players streaming Non?ActiviSion Blizzard Games may not accept any direct or indirect compensation from
any publisher, producer, owner or licensee of such game. Subject to any necessary licenses or permissions
from the publisher at such Non-Activision Blizzard Games, Players may place (and may permit Platforms to
plate) .idwrtising .ind sponsorships in their streams or in overlays of their streams, provided that in no
r-nt mat any at: mining endorse, promote, feature or otherwise reference any products or services that

.il? the OH llmilx list Players may not directly or indirectly market or sell any digital or physical
Han wit Liam or ivlvionres any logos, trademarks or otherintellectual property ofthe League,
mt WI mun Blizzard (including anyintellectual property related to Overwatch orany Other
:1 a .mn? \xitliouttheapplicable entity?s consent; however, Players are permitted to market

. piwuiial merchandise featuring the Player?s own name, moniker, image or other

twidml that no such merchandise includes any association with a product or service


lo - umly comply with the FTC Guides Governing Endorsements and Testimonials.

THE OFF LIMITS LIST

Is any type of advertising, sponsorship or other marketing affiliation prohibited?

Yes. The following product and service categories comprise the ?Off Limits List.? Players are strictly
prohibited from endorsing or having any other commercial association with any of these products and
services on the Off-Limits List and may not include any advertising, promotion, endorsement or other
sponsorship of any of these products and services in any streaming:

0 Non-Activision Blizzard Games and related exploitations (except for the Streaming itself of a
Non?Activision Blizzard Game)

0 Drugs (whether legal or illegal) and any products used to consume drugs

0 Tobacco and any products used to consume tobacco

0 Cannabis and any products used to consume cannabis

Pornography, sexual or adult oriented products or services

0 Gambling/casinos (whether legal or illegal)

Firearms/weapons

0 Political candidates or ballot initiatives

  
  
    

0 Alcohol (other than beer, wine, cider and other malt beverages)
0 Any activity that is prohibited by any law, rule or regulation of the United States or.
jurisdiction in which the streaming is recorded or made available (?Applicable Lg 
0 Any competitor of the League or any of its Teams (or their respective sponsors) ?t-i
and each Team shall be permitted to determine whether any entity is a competi'
discretion 

Disrepute

?.?gtuo may update the Off Limits List from time to time by giving notice to all Players who are under
1 with any Team at the time.

9. REMOVAL OF CONTENT

Can the League require any Player to remove any previously?distributed content from the public
domain or prohibit the streaming offuture content?

Yes. The League may, in its sole discretion, instruct any Player to take down or otherwise remove any
content that has previously been distributed or prohibit future streaming for any reason, including as a
result of any Player's non-compliance with this Policy. Failure to comply with any such instructions may
subject the Player to discipline by the League.

10. TION

Are Players required to protect the League and its affiliates from potential third party Claims?

Yes. Pursuant to the League?s standard player contract, each Player must indemnify the League, its Teams
and Activision Blizzard from any and all damages and liabilities that arise from or relate to any streaming in
which such Player participates (other than any streaming conducted by the League or the Player?s Team),
including any claims resulting from any violations ofthe Player?s obligations under this Policy and any claims
involving intellectual property infringement.

11. CHANGES AND INTERPRE TA 
Can the League change or interpret this Policy?
Yes. The League may update, supplement or otherwise modify this Policy at any time in its sole discretion.
In such event, the League will provide notice ofthe update, supplement or other modification to all Players

who are under contract with any Team at the time. Moreover, the League has the sole discretion to
interpret this Policy and the League?s interpretation of this Policy shall be final and binding.

   
  

12. RIGHTS OF USE

Can the League and the Teams use my streaming content?

Game video game content in which the Player participates. The League, the Player?s 
Official Rules) and Activision Blizzard may use the streaming for any 
marketing and other commercial purposes, and may incorporate the it}: in
Other Activision Blizzard Game.

I3. 

What should do ifl have any questions about this Policy or its application?
You are encouraged to check with the 
Policy. Questions about this Policy sh
exceptions to this Policy must be appro
the Player?s Team, if applicable)
violation of applicable law.

eague before participating in any streaming that might violate this
ould be directed to the designated contact at the League. Any
ved in writing by an authorized representative ofthe League (and
provided that in no event may any such exception authorize or permit any

 

DVERWATGH
OFFICIAL RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
INAUGURALSEASON
Version 1.0

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LEAGUE OFFICE .. 

II 



AGUE FORMAT AND SCHEDULE . .. .

SUMMIT AND ONGOING EDUCATION
Ll?

l?l 
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND 

CODE OF CONDUCT .. ..

I Rt llillt'I?ION



LICENSE TO TEAM MEMBER NAME, LIKENESS AND PERSONAL DATA..

RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES.

GLOSSARY .

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

INTRODUCTION
tun-pose l'he Uxerxmteh League, LLC. a Delaware limited liability 
eompsm- Int-h holds certain intellectual property and other rights in respect ofthe Game
tax donned helou I Hill? North America. and The Overwatch League B.V., a Netherlands
magma/I which holds certain intellectual property and other
'15? 1's .n expect of the (lame outside North America (individually or collectively, as the
mpnre. such entities are referred to herein as the ?League Of?ce?), have
?red. the themuteh League (the ?League?) for professional play of the Game.
. Ox em .I?Ieh 1 engine Official Rules, Terms and Conditions, including any updates,
.- oz supplements thereto (?League Rules?), in each case pursuant to Section
been .nio?ptcd by the League Of?ce in order to codify the rules and standards of
Iain. 1113.: i'l'i apply as a condition to participation in the League, including in all pre-
sume. regular-season. and post-season games, matches and tournaments and all other
League Of?ce-organized exhibition matches, promotional events, marketing events,
streaming sessions, sponsor events, photo shoots, press conferences and interviews,
charitable events. webcasts and chats, media events, opening and closing ceremonies,
awards ceremonies and other calendar items in the League Schedule (?League Events?).
These League Rules have been designed by the League Of?ce to ensure fair play of the
Game. to preserve the integrity of all League Events, to protect the image and reputation
of the League and to create a consistent and high-quality experience for members of the
public that attend League Events. The League Of?ce?s authority, responsibility,
obligations and consent rights as expressed herein will be exercised in the League Of?ce?s
sole discretion. These League Rules supplement and do not supersede the Team
Participation Agreement or Player Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, all terms and
conditions of each Team Participation Agreement, as amended from time to time, will be
binding at all times on the respective Team and, to the extent applicable, the Players of
such Team, for which each Team Participation Agreement is binding.
Applicability. These League Rules govern the conduct of the players (each, a ?Player?),
head coach, general manager and other full-time coaches, managers, trainers, and other
employees, staff and contractors (?Team Managers?) of each team that has been admitted
to play in the League In addition to Players and Team Managers (collectively,
?Team Members?), these League Rules also govern the conduct of all direct and indirect
owners of entities that own Teams admitted to play in the League (each, an ?Owner?). By
following these League Rules, Team Members and Owners will help to promote long-term
fan interest and loyalty, which bene?ts all participants in the League.
Disclaimer Each Team Member acknowledges and agrees that by adopting and enforcing
these League Rules, the League Of?ce is not creating an employment relationship with
Team Members. Each Team Member IS employed solely by his or her Team. No I .



  
 
 
   
  

Member has a contract of employment for any particular period of time.
Acceptance and Agreement. Each Team Member must, as a condition 0pr
a Player or Team Manager of a Team in the League, agree to comply at all
Official Rules. The League Of?ce reserves the right to require each Pla
Manager of a Team to complete and sign a Team Member Certi?cate and Ac 

 i

2.2.

.1 toim to be pro\ ided by the League Of?ce (?Acceptance Certi?cate?). The initial
li?l [it or \et'cptance t'ertiticiile is attached to these League Rules as Attachment A. Each

1m out ti?tN. a condition ol?his/hcr/its ownership ofa Team, agree to comply at all times
itl? t?t'iu'ml Rules.

1 oinptmuee. I .ieli team is responsible for ensuring that each Team Member complies
provisions of these League Rules, including without limitation the


\memimmus. Supplements and Of?cial Communications. The ?eld of professional

. oinpetiuons is still relatively new and changing rapidly, and these League Rules
?1 . - 1- it] not time to keep pace with those changes. Accordingly, in its sole discretion,

i (it rev 1.1) may update, amend or supplement these League Rules from time to

m. 1 Mai that no such update, amendment, or supplement will have the effect of
.m?e x: . superseding or modifying any term or provision of the applicable
Agreements; and may interpret or apply these League Rules by

releasing bulletins. notices, explanatory videos, online postings, e-mail and/or other
electronic communications that provide instructions and guidance to Owners and Team
Members.

ROLE OF THE LEAGUE OFFICE

General Role of the League Of?ce. The League Of?ce will be responsible for organizing
and managing the League and interpreting, applying and enforcing the Of?cial Rules.
Powers and Responsibilities of League Of?ce. The powers and responsibilities of the
League Of?ce will include the following:

Supervising general League operations and deciding on the League format,
including global/regional divisional and/or conference allocations Atlantic
division and Paci?c division), if any, controlling the number of Teams in each
division and/or conference, and determining playoff eligibility and structure;

Approving the dates and formats for any player combine, tryouts or any similar
event or process selected or subsequently established by the League Of?ce, weeks
of season play, dates for pre?season, regular?season and post-season games, and any
all?star game or similar event, sponsor events and other calendar items for the
League;

Approving the procedures used to select which Players will attend and be eligible
to participate in League games and other events and in any combine, tryouts or any
similar event or Player selection process implemented by the League Of?ce from
time to time;

Setting the League Schedule for pre?season, regular?season and post-season Game
play, and selecting event locations, including the locations for the Playoffs and the
Overwatch World Championships, and entering into arrangements with respect

thereto;
Selecting and appointing tournament of?cials, referees and administrators,
(0 Judging tournament/match protests; and

  

tit)

t?retiting, amending, modifying. interpreting, and/or applying all or any of the
Of?cial Rules, including without limitation the power to levy ?nes or other forms
ot? discipline for violations thereof.

engult? Discipline



(l1)

(C)



In order to establish the integrity of the League and preserve its reputation for open
and [Lin competition, the League Of?ce will have the right to impose certain
szuietious I?or iolations of the Of?cial Rules. By agreeing to these League Rules,
each team Member and each Owner acknowledges and agrees that he/she/it
be subject to public reprimands, ?nes, suspensions, debarment and/or
tiisqimliticiitions imposed by the League Of?ce for violation of the Of?cial Rules;
and (it) these rcprimands, ?nes, suspensions, debarment and/or disquali?cations
ole reasonable and necessary in order to maintain public con?dence in the honest
and orderly conduct of League games, matches or tournaments and the integrity of
the League. the Game and the Teams.

The League Of?ce will have the right to monitor compliance with the Of?cial Rules

and investigate possible breaches of the Of?cial Rules. By agreeing to these

League Rules, each Team Member and each Owner agrees to cooperate with the

League Of?ce in any internal or external investigation that the League Of?ce

conducts relating to a suspected violation of the Of?cial Rules or Applicable Law.

Team Member and Owners have a duty to tell the truth in connection with any

investigation conducted by or for the League Of?ce and have a further duty not to

obstruct any such investigation, mislead investigators or withhold, tamper with, or
destroy evidence.

If the League Of?ce determines that a Team Member or Owner has violated the

Of?cial Rules, the Team Member or Owner may be publicly reprimanded, ?ned,

suspended, debarred and/or disquali?ed from the League, as determined by the

League. For example, the League Of?ce may:

Issue a private or public warning to the Team and/or Player;

(ii) Disqualify the Team and/or Player from participating in one or more future
League Events;

Revokc all or any part of the results, performance bonuses, or eligibility for
participation in any matches (including without limitation Title Matches
and Playoffs) with respect to the Team and/or Player; and/or

(iv) Levy ?nes against the Team and/or Player, which, to the extent allowed by
Applicable Law, may be deducted from payments otherwise due to the
Team and/or Player from the League and/or League Of?ce.

The League Of?ce?s determination as to the appropriate disciplinary action will be

?nal and binding. The League Of?ce reserves the right to lock out Teams and/or

Players whose eligibility is in question or who have been disquali?ed 

otherwise ineligible to participate in Leagme Events. 

 
   
   
  

to throw, ?x or alter a game, match or tournament (or any componen 
any other material violation of these League Rules or Applicable Lama: ?7

Of?ce, or (ii) cooperate with any internal or external investigation'
Of?ce conducts relating to a suspected violation of these Lea
Applicable Law is, itself, a violation of these League Rules.

-3- 

v?

4.2.

I 

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

\ge Inch I?Ltwi must he at least eighteen (18) years old on or before April 5, 2018 to be

eligible to oml?t?lt? the League in Season 1. Ifa Playeris under eighteen (18)
n: ih.- tine oi the Player Agreement, a legal guardian for such Player must sign on
ht hehall? and the Player must reaf?rm the Player Agreement after turning
is) No Player will be permitted to compete in a Regular Season Stage unless
i: E?nxe- t~ eighteen (IX) on or before the ?rst day of such Stage and the Player has
. unturetl the Pin} x't Agreement and these Of?cial Rules. The League Of?ce reserves the

_E:t :rmtt?i?x :ltn-z provision to reflect international standards applicable to international
z'i . .?vtll?t?t?l mg: in the US. and/or to all Players competing or appearing in international
{.115

Ineligible I?iayers. No Player or Team Manager may be a director, of?cer or employee of
the Blizzard (iroup or the League Of?ce, unless the League Of?ce has been noti?ed ofand
has expressly authorized such relationship in writing.

Maintaining Eligibility. In order to be eligible to compete in Overwatch League events,
each Player must be in good standing with the League Of?ce and Blizzard Group,
including by remaining in compliance with the Of?cial Rules, Player Streaming Policy,
and by maintaining at all times in good standing any Battle.net account associated with the
Player in compliance with all applicable terms and conditions of the Blizzard End User
License Agreement; and be in good standing with the Team of which he or she is a
member, including by remaining in compliance with his or her Player Agreement.

PLAYER SUMMIT AND ONGOING EDUCATION

Purpose. The League Of?ce will host one or more training and education events for the
bene?t of Players, which may include a Player Summit and certain ongoing training and
education events during the course of each season. The purpose of these events is to inform
Players of the rules and regulations applicable to them as participants in the League, as
well as to train and educate Players in areas that will be helpful to Players, Teams and the
League.

Attendance. Attendance at the Player Summit, if applicable, and any education or training
events hosted by the League Of?ce during each season is mandatory for each Player. The
League Of?ce will provide each Player with advance notice of the dates and times of the
Player Summit and any ongoing training.

LEAGUE FORMAT AND SCHEDULE
League Divisions. Teams competing in the League will be divided into two divisio
Paci?c Division: Dallas Fuel, Los Angeles Gladiators, Los Angeles Val" r'

Francisco Shock, Seoul Dynasty, and Shanghai Dragons.

 
 
 
 


is

5.4.

(In) Division: Boston Uprising. Florida Mayhem, Houston Outlaws, London
Spitfire. New York and Philadelphia Fusion.

Preseason Formal and Schedule. The League Of?ce will determine the format, schedule,

.th l?lnxet participation requirements for an of?cial preseason tournament (the ?Preseason

tournament") I here will he no perlormance bonus associated with the Preseason

ion: IlJth?tIl l'onrnament results will not impact Regular Season scheduling or

null t'lijttlillth

Reactor Season I'til?nlal and Schedule.

I he tt-unlar League competition (the ?Regular Season?) will
. .?ti\i\l .zt' torn distinct competition segments (each a ?Stage?).

(in Int-ii Ht in will consist of ?ve weeks of competition followed by a two-match
play t-?t Nimitz: the three teams with the most match wins during that speci?c stage
(met: a I itIe Match?).

.t inch 'l'itle Match will follow the following format and schedule:

(1) [inch Title Match will take place on the last Saturday of each Stage.

(ii) In the ?rst match the 3rd place ?nisher from the Stage will compete against
the place ?nisher from the Stage. The winner of this match will go on to
play the 151 place ?nisher from the Stage, with the resulting winner deemed
the overall winner of the Stage Title Match. In each case the higher seeded
team will be the home team.

Winners of Stage Playoffs will earn performance bonuses as follows:

(1) First Place Team: $100,000
(2) Second Place Team: $25,000

Title Match results will not count toward Playoff seeding or tiebreakers.

Each Title Match will be followed by approximately one week Without competition,
following which break the next Stage will begin.

(0 During each week of each Stage, three matches per day will be played on
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (with the additional Stage Playoffs
on the last Saturday of each Stage).

The League Of?ce will determine all match pairings, home and away teams, days,
start times, and other scheduling details. The League Of?ce will communicate
these scheduling details to Teams in writing. The League Of?ce reserves the right
to adjust match scheduling at any time before or during the season.

Each Team will have 20 home matches and 20 away matches during the Regular
Season, not including Title Matches.

All home and away games will be played in the Blizzard Arena.

Match Structure. Each match will consist of four competitive maps selected by the

League Of?ce. The winner of each match will be the Team that has won more maps than

the other Team. All four maps will be played, regardless of the outcome of the ?rst three

maps. The win/loss differential of all four maps will count toward the end-of-season
rankings of Teams in the event of ties.

Prevention ofMatch Ties. In the event that neither Team has won more maps at the? 
conclusion of the fourth map a 2-2 tie or 1-1-2 tie), a tiebreaker map 
played (Control). This tiebreaker map will count towards the end-of 1" I
rankings of Teams in the event of ties. 

    

   

Jl
?ll

5.7.

(lit \Itltt'll Hum/inn. liach match will include scheduled breaks as determined by the
I liaeh match will include at a minimum 3-minute breaks between
maps and an approximately 8?minute ?Halftime? following the second map.

\liip Selection. ?1 he league Of?ce will detertninc the tnaps for all Preseason Tournament,

Sensor). l?laml?l?, and ()verwalch World Championship matches. Each Stage ofthe

Regizlat Season mav include different tnaps and/or a different order of maps that Teams

on In each individual match. The League Of?ce will notify all Teams (and the

Emite: .ll ol?the maps that will be played in advance ofeach Stage as follows:

(.1). I'm? \xeelts before the Preseason Tournament for all matches played during the
l'otirnament;

eelts before the ?rst Regular Season match for all matches played during the
fist Stage at the Regular Season;

it": He. or lwt'nre the last day of Stage I for all matches played in Stage 2; on or before
the last day of Stage 2 for all matches played in Stage 3; and on or before the last
tla) ot?Stagc .3 for all matches played in Stage 4;

the last day of Stage 4 for all matches played during the Playoffs and Overwatch
World Championships (note that all matches in the Title Matches will take place
on the maps selected for the Stage such Title Matches are related to);

The League Of?ce reserves the right to alter these notice periods.

Game Settings. During each League match the game settings for Overwatch will conform

to the following standards:

Matches will be played on the ?Competitive? ruleset.

The League Of?ce will designate each Team either the ?Home? or ?Away? team.

Each Team will compete in its respective ?Home? or ?Away? skins in each match.

The Home Team will defend ?rst for every map (as applicable) within the match.

During the course of the season Overwatch may receive any number of patches or
other changes that affect gameplay. The League Of?ce will determine when to
update the version of Overwatch used in of?cial Overwatch League competition to
take account of any such patches or other changes.

Playoffs Format and Schedule.

The winning Team of each Title Match will not earn special consideration toward
qualifying for or participating in the Playoffs.

Six Teams will participate in the Playoffs. The top ?nisher from each Division will
earn a number one seed in the Playoffs, which is rewarded with a bye in the ?rst
round of competition. The remaining four slots will be ?lled by the four Teams
with the best win/loss records during the Regular Season (not including the
Preseason Tournament or any Title Match).

Playoffs will be structured as follows.

The winner of each round of the Playoffs will be the Team that prevails ID
a best- of? ?ve series (a ?Series?) against its opponent.
(ii) Each Series will take place over the course of three days, with one match

played on each of the ?rst two days and up to three matches played on . 

third day if necessary.
Individual matches will be best-of??ve; provided, however,
Team wins three maps in any match, that match is over and 




  
  
 


9?

5.9.

maps will he played, Map differentials are not taken into account during the


(txl llte l?tt?st place l?cam from each Division will earn a ?rst-round bye in the

(it ill lht? quarter?nal Series the place Team will compete against the 61

pl le: (Series A). and the 4''1 place Team will compete against the 5th

pl tte le (Series B).

it ill the settiilinal Series, the Teams will be reseeded to reflect their records
tug the Regular Season. The Team with the best Regular Season record
it ill pin} the Team with the worst Regular Season record (Series C), and the
with the second-best Regular Season record will play the Team with
the third-best Regular Season record (Series D).

the ()verwateh World Championship, the winner of Series will

against the winner of Series D.

he League Of?ce will determine all match pairings, home and away teams, days,
start times, and other Playoff scheduling details. The League Of?ce will
communicate these scheduling details to Teams in writing. The League Of?ce
reserves the right to adjust match scheduling at any time before or during the
3621501].

Breaking Tics. In the event two or more Teams are tied in the overall standings at the end

of a Stage (for determination of the Title Match seeding) or the Regular Season (for

determination of Playoff seeding and Performance bonuses), such ties will be broken as
follows (in order):

First, the total map differentials of the tied Teams will be compared. The
Team that has the better winning percentage over the course of the entire
Regular Season (not including Title Matches) will prevail.

(ii) Second, the head?to?head map differential records of the Teams will be
compared. The Team that has won the most maps against the other will
prevail.

Third, the head-to-head full match (not map) win/loss records of the Teams
will be compared. The Team that has won the most matches against the
other will prevail

(iv) Fourth, if a tie between two or more Teams remains, the Teams will play a
tie- -breaking match pursuant to the Regular Season match rules, with all
other fomiat and scheduling details to be determined by the League Of?ce.

Performance Bonuses. Performance bonuses are available to Teams as follows:

Best win/loss record during the Regular Season:
1SL Place Finisher: $300,000
(ii) 2nd Place Finisher: $200,000
3rd Place Finisher: $150,000
(iv) 4th Place Finisher: $150,000
5?h Place Finisher: $100,000
(vi) 6th Place Finisher: $100,000
(vii) 71h Place Finisher: $75,000
Place Finisher: $75,000
(ix) 9'h Place Finisher: $50,000

I\Ill l-i

-7-

 






10?? Place li?inisher: $50900
I Place l?inisher: $25,000
I I'laee l?inishcr: $25.00?

lit-xi in loss record during the I?layol?ls:

(I)
tl'i
(lHi

(it



oi Id (?hainpioni til I .000,000
Runner Up: $400,000

s' Hm: $100,000

l?laec; $100,000

s? Hat-c: $50,000

Pine: s50,000

Ex. .1 nun-at I: tiles. Teams and Players must comply with the following equipment rules

it11a match:

'l?wnidud lz?quipnient. The League Of?ce will provide the following

31.3111? are tor each Player for each match:


(ii)

(W)
(V)

(vii)


(iX)

(iaming PC

Monitor

Keyboard

Mouse

Noise?cancelling headset with microphone
Competition ?desk?

Chair

Mousepad

Upon request: mouse bungee.

Player-Pro vided Equipment. Players have the option of using their own keyboard,
mouse, mousepad and mouse bungee (the ?Peripherals?) during each match.

Players may request the use of additional personalized equipment under special
circumstances only. The League Of?ce will decide any such requests on a case?by-
case basis. Player?owned equipment must be compatible with League Of?ce?
provided competition equipment. The League Of?ce is not responsible for ensuring
Player-owned equipment is in working condition. The League Of?ce reserves the
right to inspect all Player?Owned equipment to ensure compliance with these

League Rules.

Branding 0n Player-Provided Equipment. Player-provided equipment permitted by
the League Of?ce for use in competition may display only the customary

manufacturer branding that exists on such items in the marketplace.

Delivery and Installation ofPlayer-Provided Equipment. Players and/or Teams will
notify the League Of?ce of the Peripheral preferences for each Player by the
deadline provided by the League Of?ce. The League Of?ce will then order three
(3) sets of Peripherals for each Player to be kept on-site at Blizzard Arena. One set
will be used in the Practice Facility, one for live competition, and one kept on hand
as a backup. Players who wish to use ?worn? Peripherals in the Practice Facility
may do so at their option, and Players who use Peripherals that are no longer
commercially available may submit a special request for variance from the
preceding rules. The League Of?ce will be responsible for installing Player-owned
equipment on the Field of Play prior to each match. If a player wishes to swito_
different Peripherals at any time following the initial noti?cation and patch

  

the eagae ()I?t?ieenotifying the League Of?ce of such new
Peripherals at least ll days prior to intended use in competition.

rt? hi. - Ila/d Drives/or Each Player will compete using a League
with t- on nod and managed removable solid state drive, or This SSD will
copied from the Player's League Of?ce?provided practice hardware and will
mmam eonmetition elements such as the Overwatch game client and
pet lpilt?l .0 dm ers. and settings as con?gured by the Player.

and Use of'lirternal Hard Drives. The League Of?ce will provide

additional detail on installation and use of Player SSDs prior to the start of the
Preseason loin-namcnt, which rules and guidance the League Of?ce may update
1mm time to time. The League Of?ce reserves the right to call for drive updates as
needed throughout each Stage at any time, and to require random inspection or
.moitiny ol?t'loned drives.

il l, Pia) er \pparcl.

.v i nit. The Player uniform consists ofthe League-sanctioned Teamjersey (home
and an ay). the League-sanctioned Team hat, the League?sanctioned Team warm-
ups. and the League-sanctioned Teamjacket (collectively, the ?Uniform?).

Elements During Competition. The League-sanctioned jersey and
warm-up pants must be worn by all Players competing in live competition. The
jersey must be fully visible, front and back, during competition. The jersey may not
be covered by another element of the Uniform or otherwise obscured in any way.
Players must wear the League-sanctioned ?home? jersey during live competition
when competing as the Home Team, and the League-sanctioned ?away? jersey
during live competition when competing as the Away Team.

Optional Elements During Competition. In addition to the League-sanctioned
jersey and warm-up pants, Players appearing on the Field of Play may also wear 
a League-sanctioned, Team-branded hat (including sponsor logo if approved by the
League for competition), (ii) an undershirt that matches the Team color scheme (as
set forth in the Team Style Guide) or is black, white or grey, so long as such
undershirt does not obscure the jersey, a reasonable amount (as determined by
the League Of?ce) of jewelry, rings, bracelets and necklaces, and (iv) a watch of
any brand, selected by the Player (smart watches prohibited). All players must wear
close?toed shoes (of any brand). Under no circumstances may Players wear hats,
undershirts, or other articles of clothing or accessories that display sponsor logos
or other visible words, characters, or other images or messages, other than as
expressly permitted by the League Of?ce. Players are also prohibited from wearing

smart devices, ?tness devices, or other devices with computing capabilities of any
kind other than a digital watch. Players must remove their warm-up tops and/or
jackets prior to the start of live competition and remove them from the Field of
Play. Players may not wear headphones/headsets (other than the headset provided
by the League Of?ce for competition), sunglasses or non-prescription glasses, or
other branded items on the Field of Play. Players may request the use of additional
apparel under special circumstances only. The League Of?ce will approve or
decline any Team or Player request for additional apparel on a case-by?case basis.
Dress Code at Blizzard Arena: Match Days. Players must wear some or all elements
of the League-sanctioned Uniform at all times while at Blizzard Arena on a match

I

'11
h?


5.14.

5.15.

day in ltieh the Player?s Team will compete. For the avoidance of doubt, Players
must ear the Uniform bel?orc competition, beginning at such time as the Player
.n'mes at Arena. and after competition until the Player leaves Blizzard
\iena on match (lays.

tel ml.? at lilirrum? xlrenu: Non?Match Days. On days when the Player?s Team
not compete. Players may appear at Blizzard Arena, subject to the following:
(o Player apparel may not display names or logos of products or services in

the imits List? in the Player Streaming Policy.
(Ill logos. words. characters. or other images or messages on Players?
apparel must comply with the Code of Conduct.
the eague reserves the right to prohibit any attire that it determines
is not consistent with the League?s brand standards.

I an ll'lien Traveling to and/ram Competition. While traveling to and from
home and away matches Players must comply with the dress code for Players
appearing at Blizzard Arena on non-match days.

Match Day Logistics and Run of Show. The League Of?ce will provide Teams with a

detailed description of Team obligations on each match day in which the Team competes

(the ?Match Day Guide?).

Referees. Each match will be regulated by two (2) referees selected by the League Of?ce.

Referees are League of?cials responsible for making judgments on every match or game?

related issue, question and/or situation which occurs before, during and immediately

following a game or match. Their oversight includes, but is not limited to:

Checking the Team?s Starting Roster before a match;

Checking and monitoring Player?owned equipment and the Field of Play;

. 

Announcing the beginning of the match or game;
Ordering a pause or restart of the game;
Issuing penalties in response to rule violations during the match;

Con?rming the end of the match and its results.

Promotional Activities and Events. The League Of?ce may require Teams, Players,

and/or Team Managers to participate in certain League-related promotional and fan-

appreciation events, including without limitation those listed below. For each such event,
the League Of?ce may provide a separate set of guidelines and rules for participation which
will apply in addition to the following:

Each Team will permit any Player on its roster or otherwise under contract with
such Team to participate in any All?Star Game held by the League Of?ce.

Each Team will permit any Player on its roster or Team Manager employed by the
Team to participate in any ?World Cup? events hosted by Blizzard prior to and
during the annual community appreciation event known as ?Blizzcon?.

Team Composition. A Team's roster for any competition may only contain the Players

listed on a roster submitted by the Team pursuant to the following regulations:

Roster. Teams must have six (6) starting Players (the ?Starting Roster?) and may
carry no more than six (6) substitute Players (the ?Reserve Roster?) (individually
or collectively, as the case may require, such Starting and Reserve Roster are
referred to herein as the ?Roster?). A Team will be considered ineligible if it does
not have six (6) Players on its Starting Roster at the start of any competition.

I

-10-

5.16.

(It) . lgrvemen/s. In order to be eligible to participate in the League, each Player
must be retained as an employee of his or her respective Team using the then-
current form player professional services agreement as speci?ed by the League
Of?ce (the ?Player Contract"). No Player Contract shall become valid or binding
unless it complies with the Of?cial Rules and has been approved by the League
Ulltn?. No compensation or bene?ts may be directly or indirectly provided by or
on ln?ltall? ot' a Team or any Owner to any Player other than as speci?ed in the
applicable Player ('ontract.

m. . tool. The League Of?ce will determine a date by which all Player

\Ql cements must be submitted to the League prior the Regular Season (the ?Roster

Lock") The league Of?ce retains a ?nal right of approval over the Roster

by each Team and may reject any Roster that does not comply with these

league Rules. . 

rd? rimm- 'iremnrention. A Team may not circumvent the Roster limit or player
eligibility rules by signing a prospective player to an employment or other serv1ces
aereement. .

(cl Pie?Altman Roster Submission. Teams must submit their Starting Roster (including
seating order) for each match no later than three (3) hours prior to the start of such
match. Changes to the Starting Roster after that time are subject to rejectlon by the
League Of?ce.

Substitutions Generally. Teams may make substitutions from their Reserve Roster
during a match only between maps and at Halftime. Players who have been
substituted out of a match may be substituted back in to the match at a later time,
subject to this Section 5.15. .

Substitution Notice. Teams wishing to make a substitution must notify the League?
appointed Team representative assigned to such Team (the ?Team Rep?) no later
than the end of the ?rst round of a given map for the substitution to take effect for
the next map. For example, the Team must notify its Team Rep of a desired
substitution for the second map by the end of the ?rst round of the ?rst map.

Substitution Process. When a Team has noti?ed its Team Rep of a desired
substitution in a timely manner as set forth above, the League Of?ce will swap out
the SSD and Peripherals of the replaced Player and swap in the SSD and Peripherals
of the new Player during the break between the maps.

(1) Press. The League Of?ce will publicize each Team?s Starting Roster no less than
one (1) hour before the match. The Leagie Of?ce will publicize any mid-match
substitutions during the match broadcast. Teams will not make public their Starting
Roster or any expected substitutions unless and until that information is ?rst
announced by the League Of?ce.

Transfer Window.

The ?Transfer Window? is de?ned as the period of time in which Teams can
complete trades involving other Teams and/or sign new Players to a Player
Agreement. The Transfer Window is the only time in which these changes can
occur during the period between Roster Lock and the ?nal match of the season.

The Transfer Window will open the day following the last day of Stage 1 (including
any Title Match matches associated therewith), and close at 5:00 pm. Pap, 0
Standard Time three days preceding the ?rst day of Stage 4. 

   

-11-

Fl?

5.18.

6.1.

I :tmpering

t.tl the eague ()t?tice ill maintain and share with Teams a list of Team Rosters for
all teams in the ematch League. The League Office will update this list as
I cams make approved changes to their Rosters.

limits ma} not contact or otherwise tamper with Players on the Roster of another
1 unit

it I or purposes of these League Rules, ?tamper? means any interference by a Team
a: Representatix ets) with the employer-employee relationship between a Player
and .tltt?lilCl? Team. The purpose ofthis policy is the protect each Team?s contract
t'tg?ltH and, at the same time. to allow the intra-League competitive systems devised
lt?t the acquisition and retention ofPlayer talent the player selection process,
Window) to operate efficiently.

.tlv 1 lliL'\\ .1 Team has received written permission directly from a Player?s employer
eam. entering into discussions with a Player or his Representative concerning the
new Team?s interest in acquiring the Player during the Transfer Window or
o1 lierwise would constitute a violation ofthis Section 5.17. Under no circumstances
should a new Team rely upon any representation by a Player or his
Representative(s) that he or she has received permission to enter into discussions
for a trade or contract negotiations. Permission must be received in writing directly
from the new Team in order to protect the interests of all parties.

Any public or private statements of interest in a Player under contract with another
Team to a Player, a Player?s agent or other Representative, or to a member of the
media or general public is a violation of this Section 5.17.

Roster Updates. The League Of?ce will issue a regular blog post on

Overwatchleaguecom that explains changes to the Rosters of all Teams in the League.

This post will include trades, injuries/illnesses, terminations and Roster additions that

occur over the course of the year.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Behavior.

All Team Members and Owners must at all times observe the highest standards of
personal integrity and good sportsmanship and act in a manner consistent with the
best interests of the League, in each case as determined by the League Of?ce. Team
Members and Owners are required to behave in a professional and sportsmanlike
manner in their interactions with other competitors, League of?cials, and members
of the League Of?ce, the media, sponsors and fans.

Team Members and Owners may not use obscene or offensive gestures or profanity
in their tags, player handles, game chat, live play communications, lobby chat,
shoulder content, interviews, or other public?facing communications of any kind
This rule applies to English and all other languages and includes abbreviatioris
and/or obscure references.

Team Members and Owners are expected to settle their differences in a respe?EfEI-i,
manner and without resort to violence, threats, or intimidation (physical or, 7:

-12-

   

physical). Violence is never permitted at any time or place, or against any person

Including competitors. fans, referees and officials.

The obligation to beltave in a professional and sportsmanlike manner includes an

obligation on the part of Players and Team Mangers to arrive on time and ready to

complete for all games, matches and tournaments in the League Schedule. It also

prohibits forfeiting a game or match without reasonable cause.

(heating and Game Integrity.

ta) Players must compete to the best oftheir skill and ability at all times. Any form of
cheating by any Players, Team Managers or Owners will not be tolerated. All

Players, Team Managers and Owners are prohibited from in?uencing or

manipulating any Game tnatch (whether a League match or otherwise) with the

intent that any aspect of the match is determined by anything other than the
competitive merits. Examples of cheating include without limitation:

Collusion, match ?xing or any other action to intentionally alter, or attempt
to alter. the results of any game, match or tournament (or any components
thereof);

(ii) Attempts to interfere with another player?s connection to the game service
through Distributed Denial of Service or any other means;

Allowing an individual who is not the registered owner of a Battlenet
Account to play on that Battlenet Account in a Game and/or playing in a
Game while logged in to a Battlenet Account registered to someone else;
and

(iv) Bot use, spot timing not throwing the game, just timing a shot so
bettors win), wintrading, drophacking, queue sniping and soft play on the
ladder, ghosting a game spectator illegally provides information about
an opponent?s positions and/or movements), inducing another Player to lose
a match, and receiving leaked scrim footage and/or con?dential or
proprietary information of another Team.

6.3. Illegal and/0r Detrimental Conduct.

Players, Team Managers and Owners are required to comply with all Applicable
Laws at all times.

A Player, Team Manager or Owner may not engage in any activity or practice
which brings him or her into public disrepute, scandal or ridicule, or shocks or
offends a portion or group of the public, or derogates from his or her public image,
or (ii) is, or could reasonably be expected to be, detrimental to the image or
reputation of, or result in public criticism of or re?ect badly on, the Blizzard Group,
the League Of?ce, or any of their respective Representatives, the League, the other
Teams or their respective sponsors or members, the Game or any other product or
service of the Blizzard Group. For the avoidance of doubt, Team Member af?liation

with individuals, entities or brands that are detrimental to the image or reputation
of the Blizzard Group, the League Of?ce, or any of their respective
Representatives, the League, the other Teams or their respective sponsors or
members, the Game or any other product or service of the Blizzard Group, as
determined by the League Of?ce, will be deemed as a violation of this provision
and these League Rules.

(\ii

(1

-13-

  

6.6.

6.7.

it I Ixach Team Member and each ()wner acknowledges that the League Of?ce and

learn .lintitics may have an obligation under Applicable Law to report illegal
to local law enforcement authorities or respond to formal inquiries from
Ian enforcement or judicial authorities in jurisdictions where suspected violations
ot law have taken place.



ta) The league Office is committed to providing a competitive Game environment that

is free of harassment and discrimination.

in furtherance of this commitment, Players, Team Managers and Owners are
prohibited from engaging in any form of harassment or discrimination (either in-
Game or outside the Game). including without limitation that which is based on
race, color. religion. gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation,

gender identity. or any other class or characteristic.
Gambling.

(l?l

Gambling on the outcome of Game games, matches or tournaments (including any
components thereof) can pose a serious threat to the integrity of, and public
con?dence in the League. Players, Team Managers and Owners as well as
employees of the League Office or Blizzard Group are not allowed to place, or
attempt to place, bets on any games, matches or tournaments (or any components
thereof) involving the Game, (ii) associate with high volume gamblers, or deliver
information to others that might in?uence their bets, or accept a bribe or agree
to throw, fix or alter a game, match or tournament (or any component thereof)
involving the Game.

This rule also prohibits Players, Team Managers and Owners from participating in
anyone else?s betting activities, asking anyone to place bets involving the Game
(including without limitation League games, matches or tournaments, or any
components thereof) on a Player?s, Team Manager?s or Owner?s behalf, or
encouraging anyone else to bet involving the Game (including without limitation
League games, matches or tournaments, or any components thereof).

(0) Players, Team Managers, and Owners likewise are prohibited from engaging in any
fantasy esports leagues or games involving the Game in which the participant pays
any form of entry fee in exchange for an opportunity to win a cash prize or other
thing of value.

Alcohol and Drugs.

The use, possession, distribution or sale of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Team
Members are prohibited from being under the in?uence of any substance of abuse,
including alcohol or marijuana, while the Team Member is engaged in League
Events or on premises that are owned by or leased to the Team or League Of?ce.

The unauthorized use or possession of prescription drugs by a Player is prohibited.
Prescription drugs may be used only by the person to whom they are prescribed and
in the manner, combination and quantity as prescribed. Prescription drugs may

only be used to treat the condition for which they are prescribed and may not be
used to enhance performance in a game, match or tournament.

Non-Disparagement.

Teams, Team Members and Owners have the right to express their opinions in a
professional and sportsmanlike manner; provided, however, that Teams, Team

I

6.8.

6.9.

6.10.

(C)

Members and Owners may not make public statements that call into question the
integrity or competence ofmatch referees or the League.

lcams. Team Members, and Owners may not at any time make, post, publish or
communicate to any person or entity or in any public forum any false, defamatory,
libelous. or slanderous remarks, comments or statements concerning any member
of the Blizzard Group, the League Of?ce. any of their respective Representatives,
the league. the other Teams or their respective sponsors or members, the Game or
any other product or service of the Blizzard Group. In addition, Players, Team
Managers or Owners may not encourage members of the public to engage in any
activities that are prohibited by this Section 6.7.

This Section 6.7 does not, in any way. restrict or impede a Team, Player, Team
Manager or Owner from complying with any AppliCable LEW 01' a valid order ofa
court ofcompetent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that
such compliance does not exceed that required by the law 0T order.

Software and Hardware.

(8)



(C)

Any intentional use, or attempted use, by a Player of any bugs or exploits in the
Game is strictly prohibited. The League Of?ce will determine the bugs and exploits
prohibited by this rule and whether a Player has taken advantage of a bug or exploit
in violation ofthis rule.

Players must consult with the League Office before bringing electronic storage
devices to any League Event and are not allowed to use any mobile or external
communication equipment during a match, including mobile phones.

Players are prohibited from installing third-party software of any kind on any
competition hardware or machines.

Con?dentiality.





Team Members must keep con?dential and not disclose to any third party
con?dential and proprietary information concerning the Game, League, League
Office, Blizzard Group or any Team Entity.

This Section 6.9 does not, in any way, restrict or impede a Team, Player, Team
Manager or Owner from complying with any Applicable Law or a valid order of a
court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that
such compliance does not exceed that required by the law or order

Reporting.



Upon becoming aware of any conduct prohibited by this Section 6, Players, Team
Managers and Owners are required to immediately report the details to the League
Office at Iegal@overwatchleague.com. Failure to comply with this requirement is
an independent violation of these League Rules.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS

Cap on Liability; N0 Punitive Damages.



Each Team Member acknowledges that the League Of?ce, Blizzard Group and
their af?liates and Representatives are not insurers of a Team Member?s property
or a Team Member?s personal safety. Team Members who feel that they need

  

-15-

7.2.

7.3.

8.1.



insurance should obtain It from an insurance company or other

TllE BLIZZARD GROUP OR ANY or THEIR
MIIMNR 0R -s BE LIABLE UNDER THESE LEAGUE RULES To ANY
MpMmiRi FOR OR ENTITY CLAIMING RIGHTS DERIVED FROM ANY
4 . ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY,

OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. INCLUDING ANY DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF DATA,

PRIZES OR PROFIT, WIIETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT

(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH

DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT THE LEAGUE OFFICE, THE
BLIZZARD GROUP OR ANY OF TIIEIR AFFILIATES 0R REPRESENTATIVES WERE
ADVISED OF TIIE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Disclaimers.

Each Team Member and each Owner hereby agrees that the League Of?ce, the
Blizzard Group and each of their respective af?liates and Representatives are not
responsible for:

Telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, internet, or other
computer? or communications?related malfunctions or failures;

(ii) Any League disruptions, injuries, losses or damages caused by events
beyond the control of the League Of?ce (although the League Of?ce will
take reasonable precautions to ensure reasonable safety); or

Any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the
League or League Events or the marketing and promotion thereof.

All prizes are awarded and WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (including any implied warranty of merchantability or
?tness for a particular purpose).

Risks Associated with Professional Esports. To the fullest extent permitted by

Applicable Law, each Team Member acknowledges that he/she is aware of the risks,
dangers and hazards associated with esports competitions and play of the Game at the
professional level and he/she freely accepts and fully assumes all such risks, dangers and

hazards and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage or loss resulting from

his/her participation in such activities.

LICENSE TO TEAM MEMBER NAME, LIKENESS AND PERSONAL
DATA

Use of Brand Materials. By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team Member hereby
grants to the League Of?ce, the Blizzard Group and their respective af?liates and
Representatives a perpetual, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide, right and license (with
the right to grant sublicenses) to copy, display, distribute, edit, host, store and otherwise
use the Team Member?s name, nickname, BattleTag (or replacement tags), logo, initials,
likeness, image, photograph, animation, avatar, autograph, voice, video or ?lm portrayal,
public persona, game play data and statistics, biographical information, backstory and any
streams of the Game or streams of any other Blizzard Group video game in which the Team

Member participates (?Player Brand Materials?), and create derivative works thereof, in 

-16-

 
 

8.4.

 

8.2.

8.3.

future Ilncdiu whether now known or hereafter created, on any and
I - mettod of delivery, on or In connection with any League
\Ill uthti In lull or In part and whether on a live or delayed basrs and all or any part
at such'lcugue livcnt) and the broadcast. streaming. webcast or other distribution of any
uldto \Isuul. Visual and, or audio coverage of any ofthe foregoing; the marketing and
t?rmuouon of the League. the League Events and the Game in general; the
cwlouution of media rights. (ii) the creation and sale of in?game or digital merchandise,
and (in) any group licensing or other agreements with third parties that are negotiated by
the League Of?ce; and/or the creation, distribution. promotion and sale of hats, shirts
or other apparel. footwear. gaming gear or peripherals, novelties, souvenirs, toys,
collectibles and any and all other tangible goods or products, including the sleeves,jackets
and packaging for such goods or products, and the other products and services of the
League Of?ce. The products. services. media and materials created by exercise of any of
the foregoing licenses or rights in clauses through are referred to herein as the
?Licensed Materials."
Advertising and Commercial Materials. The grant of rights and licenses in Section 8.1
includes. but is not limited to, the perpetual, royalty?free, fully paid-up, worldwide right
and license (but not the obligation) of the League Of?ce (and its sublicensees) to copy,
display. distribute, edit, host, store and otherwise use the Player Brand Materials and the
Licensed Materials, and create derivative works thereof, on or in connection with the
League Of?ce?s (or its sublicensees"): websites and applications, together with those of
its permitted streaming and broadcast partners; social media postings; print and
online advertising and content; newspaper and magazine advertising and content; 
online advertising and content, including banners, leaderboards and 
outdoor and indoor billboards, posters, signs and displays; product catalogues, point-of-
sale materials, hang tags, product packaging and instruction manuals; press releases,
newsletters and e-alerts; television; and any other advertising or promotional
materials developed by or for the League Of?ce (or its sublicensees) for the League, the
League Events or the Game from time to time (the foregoing, the ?Advertising and
Commercial Materials?).
Reality Programming. If the League Of?ce elects to create reality programming,
documentaries or other unscripted programming content that features Players, then the
license granted in Sections 8.1 and 8.2 will include the right and license of the League
Of?ce or its designee to ?lm, televise, webcast, photograph, identify and otherwise record
each Team Member and his or her daily life activities and interactions with others using
persistent, 24/7 cameras that may be placed in the Team House, training facility,
competition venue and other locations frequented by Team Members (provided that no
such ?lming or recording will occur in any Team Members bathrooms) and create
derivative works thereof, in any and all present and future media whether now known or
hereafter created (?Reality Content?).
Waivers. By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team Member hereby waives, and
agrees not to assert, any rights of prior review and/or approval of any of the Licensed
Materials, Advertising and Commercial Materials or Reality Content, and moral or
other-equivalent rights (if any) to which he/ she is or may become entitled under Applicable
Law in relation to the Licensed Materials, Advertising and Commercial Materials, Reality
Content or to his/her participation in the League or League Events. Nothing in these

-17-

and

8.0.

8.7.

8.8.

8.9.



t?t?t?i .1 . .6. . Lngc? oi contest or attempt to acquire, any rights of the League
tc it it Bit/raid (noup in the Licensed Materials, Advertising and Commercial
Materials or Reality Content (excluding the Player Brand Materials included therein and
licensed hereunder). or any logos or trademarks ofthe League Of?ce or any member ofthe
Blizzard Group.
Further Assurances. By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team Member agrees to
take, at the League Office?s expense, any further action (including execution of af?davits
and other documents) that the League Of?ce reasonably requests to effect, perfect or
confimi the rights of the League Of?ce and the members of the Blizzard Group as set forth
in these League Rules.
Perpetual Licenses. The rights and licenses granted in Sections 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 (and any
subliccnse of those rights and licenses) are perpetual and irrevocable, but apply only to the
Player Brand Materials that are used with or integrated into Licensed Materials,
Advertising and Commercial Materials, Reality Content and other media or materials
during the period that the applicable Team Member is employed or otherwise involved as
a Player or Team Manager of a Team, including any compilations, adaptations or excerpts
of such Licensed Materials, Advertising and Commercial Materials, Reality Content or
other media or materials that are created or compiled after such period.
No Implied Licenses. Nothing in these League Rules grants, by implication, waiver,
estoppel or otherwise, to any Team Member, Owner or any other third party any license or
other rights in or to any of the logos or trademarks of the League Of?ce or any member of
the Blizzard Group. In particular, Team Members do not receive, by virtue of these Leagle
Rules or their participation in the League or League Events, the right to use or display any
logo or trademark associated with the League, the League Events, the League Of?ce or the
Game, except for where the logos and trademarks are displayed on the of?cial uniforms,
clothing and promotional items that may be provided by the League Of?ce to the Team
Members during a season and such provided items are used (without alteration) in
accordance with these League Rules. If a Team Member requires a license to use any of
the foregoing items, he/she must enter into a separate agreement with the licensor for that
purpose. By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team Member agrees to refrain from
engaging in any marketing, promotional or media activity, other than through the Team
Entity or the League Of?ce, that could reasonably be expected to imply the League Of?ce?s
or the League?s sponsorship or endorsement of such activity or of any third party or its
products or services.

Ownership of Advertising and Commercial Materials, Feedback, Stats and

Suggestions.

As between each Team Member and the League Of?ce, each Team Member is the
sole owner of Player Brand Materials, except that the Blizzard Group is the sole
owner of all BattleTags (or replacement tags), avatars, game play data and statistics

and any intellectual property of the Blizzard Group included in streams of the Game
or other Blizzard Group video games.

As between each Team Member and the League Of?ce, the League Of?ce will; e"

the sole owner of all of the following: . i

-18-

  

8.10.

9.2.

(1) Licensed Materials. Advertising and Commercial Materials and Reality

('oiiteiit (but not Player Brand Materials that are incorporated into or used

in the Licensed Materials. Advertising and Commercial Materials or Reality

Content and licensed hereunder);

All other works of authorship, audio-visual works, artwork, compilations,
data and documentation that are created by or for a member of the League
Of?ce and that incorporate or make use of all or any part of Player Brand
Materials (but not Player Brand Materials that are incorporated or used
therein and licensed hereunder);

Suggestions. comments and other feedback that a Team Member may
provide to the League Office relating in any way to the League, the
League Events, the Game or the business of the League Of?ce, and all
improvements or enhancements to the League, the Game, League Events
and the business of the League Of?ce resulting from any such suggestions,
comments and feedback;

tiV) Data and statistics relating to a Player?s play of the Game, and all feeds and
data streams of such data and statistics; and .

Intellectual property rights in each of the foregoing existing anywhere in the
world.

Collection of Personal Data.

The League Office and Blizzard will collect, store and use information collected in
connection with the League and League Events (including information collected at
live events) in accordance with Blizzard?s and the League Of?ce?s respective
online privacy policies (the ?Online Privacy Policy?). The current versions of the
Online Privacy Policy for US. and Canadian Battle.net account holders are found
at and

+enGB+ANZ.pdf.

By accepting these League Rules, each Team Member and Owner also agrees to
the terms of the Online Privacy Policy.

RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

Disputes Regarding League Rules. The League Of?ce has ?nal, binding authority to
decide disputes with respect to the breach, termination, enforcement, or interpretation of
Sections these League Rules (?Rules Dispute?), as well as related
relief. Rules Disputes and Team Member Violation reports should be submitted to the
League Of?ce at legal@overwatchleague.com.

Binding Arbitration for Arbitration Disputes. Any dispute, claim or controversy that
the League Of?ce may have against Team Members or that Team Members might have
against the Leagie Of?ce, and any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or
to the League or these League Rules or the validity thereof, including the det
the scope or applicability of these rules to arbitrate, and that is not otherwi
League Office?s ?nal, binding authority (whether under Section 9.1
written agreements entered into with the League Of?ce) or otherwise Sr

 
 
 
 
 
 

-19-

9.3.

anniet? so); 1 ., ..H .
entered into With the League Office (?Arbitration
?h-tn 1? . settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International
3111:) 0: 0:311:31? by arbitrator appointed inlaceordance with the said Rules.
arbitration inciudin?y \?vt . lbe Los Angeles, (,a?lrlornla. All matters relating to the
the parties. to the Ail: ty rna award, Will be considered the con?dential information of
. - ntratron Dispute. The parties to any Arbitration Dispute agree that
they Will only With the court the portions ofthe award necessary to and
entorcc the award and that they will make every effort to exclude con?dential information
trorn what rs to be ?led with the court, with any disagreements related thereto to be decided
upon by the arbitrator prior to any court ?ling. The decision ofthe arbitrator will be ?nal
and binding on the parties to the Arbitration Dispute, and any award of the arbitrator may
be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. This Section 9.2 will not preclude a party
to a dispute from seeking provisional remedies in aid of arbitration from a court of
apprOpriate jurisdiction in respect of Arbitration Disputes or preclude the League Of?ce
from seeking and obtaining from any court of competent jurisdiction (without the need for
the League Of?ce to post any bond or other security) temporary and/or preliminary
injunctive relief against a Team Member for any breach by the Team Member of the terms
of these League Rules. Except as otherwise provided by these League Rules or Applicable

Law, each party to any legal action or proceeding brought against the other party will be

responsible for his/her/its own attorneys? fees, experts? fees, court costs and all other

expenses sustained in the course of such litigation (including any appeals).

Class Action and PAGA Waivers.

By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team Member agrees that any arbitration
will be limited to the Arbitration Dispute between the League Of?ce and the Team
Member individually.

By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team Member acknowledges and agrees
that: a claim by, or on behalf of, other persons, will not be considered in, joined
with, or consolidated with, the arbitration proceedings between the Team Member
and the League Of?ce; (ii) there is no right or authority for any Rules Dispute or
Arbitration Dispute to be arbitrated, adjudicated, or resolved through court
proceedings on a class-action, collective action, private attorney general or
representative action basis (other than an action brought under the Private Attorneys
General Act, California Labor Code sections 2698 et seq. separately
addressed in Section 93(0) below) or to utilize class action, collective action, or
private attorney general or representative action procedures; and 
the Player will not have the right to participate as a class representative, collective
action representative, or private attorney general, or as a member of
any class, collective action, or private attorney general or representative

action for any Rules Dispute or Arbitration Dispute. Under no circumstances does
any Team Member or the League Of?ce agree to class, collective, 
private attorney general or representative action procedures in arbitration or court
proceedings or the joinder of claims in arbitration or court proceedings. The

foregoing provisions of Section 9.3(a) and this Section 9.3(b) are referredto as the

?Class Action Waiver?.

By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team Member acknow. 
that: there is no right or authority for any Rules Dispute a r: 7'

-20-

  
 
 

9.4.

to be adlUdlCaied. or resolved through court proceedings on a PAGA
liims? or to will? PAGA and (ii) the Team Member will not have the
?ill? to partierpatc as a private attorney general, representative, or as a member or
any PAGA private attorney general or representative action for any
Rules Dispute or Arbitration Dispute. Under no circumstances does the Team
Member or the League Of?ce agree to PAGA private attorney general or
representative action procedures in arbitration or court proceedings or the joinder
of claims in arbitration or court proceedings. The foregoing provisions of this
Section 9.3(c) are referred to as the Waiver?.
in any case in which: the Rules Dispute or Arbitration Dispute is ?led or pursued
as a class action, collective action, or private attorney general or
representative action; and (ii) all or part of the Class Action Waiver is found to be
unenforceable, the class action, collective action, or private attorney
general or representative action to that extent must be litigated in a civil court of a
competent jurisdiction within Los Angeles, California, but any individual claims
for which the Class Action Waiver is deemed enforceable must be litigated
separately in arbitration. The Class Action Waiver will be severable in any case in
which the Rules Dispute or Arbitration Dispute is ?led or pursued as an individual
action and severance is necessary to ensure that the individual action proceeds in
arbitration.
In any case in which: the Rules Dispute or Arbitration Dispute is ?led or pursued
as a PAGA private attorney general or representative action; and (ii) the PAGA
Waiver is found to be unenforceable, then: the unenforceable provision will be
severed from this Agreement; (ii) severance of the unenforceable provision will
have no impact whatsoever on the arbitration of any remaining claims on an
individual basis pursuant to Section 9.3 of this Agreement; and (3) any PAGA
representative or private attorney general action must be litigated in a civil court of
a competent jurisdiction. To the extent there is any Rules Dispute or Arbitration
Dispute to be litigated in a civil court of competent jurisdiction on a PAGA private
attorney general or representative action basis because the PAGA Waiver is deemed
unenforceable with respect to that Rules Dispute or Arbitration Dispute, then the
parties agree that litigation of that Rule Dispute or Arbitration Dispute will be
stayed pending the outcome of any individual claims in arbitration. The PAGA
Waiver will be severable in any case in which the Rules Dispute or Arbitration
Dispute is ?led or pursued as an individual action and severance is necessary to
ensure that the individual action proceeds in arbitration.
Governing Law.
All Rules Disputes and Arbitration Disputes will be governed by and construed
under the laws of the United States of America and the law of the State of New
York, without regard to choice of law principles, provided that the League Of?ce
will have the right to disqualify any Team Members that are rendered ineligible to
participate due to local law. This selection of governing law shall supersede any
prior choice of law contained in any prior version of the League Rules or otherwise
set forth in any Team Member Form (or its equivalent) exec t6 ?i 
Member. By agreeing to these League Rules, each Team 



    

,u (tri?e.

-21-

law contained in arty prior version of these League Rules or otherwise set forth in

any prior learn Member Certificate and Acceptance Form executed by the Team

Member.

Team Members and Owners agree to be bound by these League Rules and by the

decisions of the League Of?ce with respect to the disciplinary actions imposed for

their Violation. which are ?nal and binding in all respects.

In recognition of the League?s status as a global League, the League Of?ce will
endeavor to provide official translations ofthese League Rules and other documents
comprising the Official Rules. In the event of any conflict between the English
version and any translation of these League Rules or any other document
comprising the Official Rules, the English version will control.

(l?l

GLOSSARY

?Acceptance Certi?cate? has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4
?Aetivision? means Aetivision Blizzard, Inc, a Delaware corporation.
?Advertising and Commercial Materials? has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

?Applicable Law? means all applicable domestic and foreign federal, state, provincial and local
laws.

?Arbitration Dispute? has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.
?Blizzard? means Blizzard Entertainment, Inc, a Delaware corporation.

?Blizzard Group? means Activision Blizzard, Inc. and any entity which controls, is controlled by,
or is under common control with Aetivision, including Blizzard.

?Class Action Waiver? has the meaning set forth in Section 

?Field of Play? means the stage and appurtenant structures where live competition takes place
during each match of the Overwatch League.

?Game? means any video game in the shooter genre that is either branded with the name
?Overwatch? and is published by a member of the Blizzard Group (as above) at any time prior
to or during the term of the applicable Team Participation Agreements, (ii) is commercially
released to the public at any time prior to or during the term of the applicable Team Participation
Agreements, is played on a mobile, PC or console platform or any successor platform, and
(iv) is a team-based, player v. player game, or not branded with the name ?Overwatch? and 
is published by a member of the Blizzard Group after the effective date and during the term of the
applicable Team Participation Agreements, (ii) is commercially released to the public at any time
after the effective date and during the term of the applicable Team Participation Agreements, 

_22_

 

 

?il - 
Le I in .t mobile. or console platform or
-. player game. 

.

any successor platform, (iv) is a team-based,

substantially all of the characters that appear
accr, Reaper, McCrec, Ana, Bastion and other heroes)
art style and overall look and feel and makes substantial and
ackstory. storylines and lore.

. . akes continuing use 01
. . in (such as 'l'r
:ii?ti 1' has the substantially same
co :mtuing use ofthe 

?League" has the meaning set forth in Section 

?League EVents" has the meaning set forth in Section 

?League Of?ce? has the meaning set forth in Section 11

?League Rules? has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1

"League Schedule? means the schedule of of?cial calendar events for the League that includes
the player selection process, official matches (including pre-season, regular-season and
post?season matches), and awards shows, exhibition matches and other promotional events,
which be specified by the League Of?ce in advance of each season and may be updated by
the League Of?ce from time to time during the season by email notice to the general manager.
?Licensed Materials" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

?Of?cial Rules" means these League Rules and (B) the brand, design, style and usage
standards which may be promulgated by the League Of?ce from time to time and that are generally
applicable to all admitted teams in the League, and any of?cial League operations manuals, policy
manuals, handbooks or similar guides which are promulgated by the League Of?ce from time to
time (which may take the form of one or more of the following: loose leaf or bound volumes;
bulletins; notices; videos; online postings; e-mail and/or other electronic communications or
media; or any other now or hereafter developed medium capable of conveying the League?s
standards.

?Online Privacy Policy? has the meaning set forth in Section 

?Overwatch World Championships? means the ?nal tournament in the season that decides
which Team is the best and entitled to the title of ?World Champion?.

?Owner? has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.

Waiver? has the meaning set forth in Section 
?Player? has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.

?Player Brand Materials? has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

?Player Agreement? means the Player Professional Services Agreement negotiated between each
Team and Player and approved by the League Of?ce.

-23-