Published on: 31/08/2021

CDL Expansion: Where Should CDL Go Next?

Despite being around for a short time, the Call of Duty League is no stranger to obstacles. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDL, like many other esport leagues, has had to transition and adapt over the last two years. Luckily for them, the transition to LAN events where the stakes were just as high and the production level was just as professional.

With the rumored release of the new COD title, Call of Duty Vanguard, CDL will likely move away from Black Ops Cold War for the next season. Along with a new title, the CDL will want to expand in 2022. There is no word on how many teams they will be wanting but fans can expect to see some new faces.

The CDL is currently represented by 12 teams from cities across Europe and North America. There are several cities reportedly interested in dipping their toes in the Call of Duty League pool to host esports tournaments. CDL could look very different in 2022, but that’s what makes it so fun.

With that in mind, what cities could we see coming to the league? Here is the list of seven potential cities for CDL expansion.

7. Portland, USA

There are only two teams on the west coast of the United States, so adding one more in the Pacific Northwest makes sense. Already a growing market, Portland already has professional sports teams with passionate fans. Who’s to say esports won’t thrive here as well? With Seattle being so close as well, it would make them an easy rival.

6. Las Vegas, USA

Vegas is an obvious choice. It makes you wonder why they weren’t one of the earlier teams. With LA, New York, and Seattle having teams, Las Vegas is the next big US city that probably deserves one. The marketing opportunity alone would drive companies to them.

5. Madrid, Spain

Being a huge untapped market for CDL expansion, Madrid would be the third European team in the league. The country of Spain has some of the most passionate fans in the world. Whichever esport team comes through will get massive support. With Heretics commanding huge support in previous seasons, it would be great to see them, and Spanish fans arrive back in the league.

4. Washington DC, USA

Washington is one of, if not the most historic and iconic cities in the United States. The city itself commands respect from the rest of the world. Given the history of the city and the potential for great names, putting a team in Washington DC just makes sense.

3. Berlin, Germany

Making a team the German capital with more untapped potential would be perfect for European expansion. Like many cities across Europe, the fans are passionate and true to their teams. Esports is growing fast in Germany, so CDL would need to get in fast. Many professional football clubs in Germany have their own esports teams, so an expansion from them would be a cool partnership.

2. San Francisco, USA

Another iconic big city on the list, San Francisco, has plenty of local and international appeal. The city has an undeniable attraction, and fans from all over will stay. This can also bring along some of the best COD players because of the city alone.

With SanFran already having an Overwatch team, it already has the infrastructure for an esports team to grow.

1. Mexico City, Mexico

Being the only North American country without a team, expanding a team in Mexico would be great for the league. Mexico esports fans are insane in the best way possible. Any event held in Mexico City always sells out. The kind of passion is unmatched and would make the league that much more competitive.

Of course, there are plenty of more cities around the world that are worthy of CDL expansion. Vancouver, Milan, Barcelona, and Philadelphia could have easily made the list. There is still so much uncertainty on who will officially be expansion cities for 2022, but any one of these cities could be worth betting on, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

Written by Michael Martinez