The Call of Duty League (CDL) has no immediate plans to grow its roster of franchises. Speaking at CDL Champs 2026 in Las Vegas, Daniel Tsay, the general manager of Call of Duty esports, indicated that the league’s priority remains stabilizing its current 12-team structure before considering any potential expansion.

Quick Facts

  • The Call of Duty League currently consists of 12 closed franchises.
  • League management holds a long-term goal of reaching 16 teams.
  • Expansion is on hold to prioritize the health of existing organizations.
  • The league is actively working with team owners to improve monetization through sponsorships and in-game bundles.

Focusing on the Core 12

While Tsay maintains that his personal dream is to see the league eventually grow to 16 teams, he emphasized that the organization is not looking to rush the process. According to Tsay, the league must first perform “housekeeping” to ensure that the current 12 franchises are operating healthily. He noted that there is a natural churn within the ecosystem, with some teams expressing a desire to exit while others remain interested in entering.

“I’d rather us focus on the core before we ever think about expanding,” Tsay stated. While the league currently possesses the capability to expand at any time, he believes that internal adjustments must take precedence to ensure long-term stability.

Monetization and Financial Outlook

The conversation around league growth often ties back to the financial viability of individual teams. Organizations like Spacestation Gaming have previously explored entry into the CDL, only to walk away due to concerns over the lack of available talent and the perceived revenue potential.

Tsay suggested that outside organizations might be missing the full picture when assessing the league’s finances. “Obviously, we don’t know what has been told to them, but what I can say is they probably don’t see all of the team finances the way the league does,” he explained.

To support current owners, the league is working on ways to help teams monetize their fanbases more effectively. This effort includes providing opportunities for team-hosted Majors, securing sponsorships, and developing in-game bundles. Tsay noted that for organizations with substantial followings, these in-game revenue streams can generate millions in earnings, aligning with what team owners have requested.

Looking Ahead

As the competitive scene prepares for shifts surrounding the upcoming Modern Warfare 4, the focus remains on internal roster stability and organizational health. While fans and potential investors may look toward a larger league, the current directive from CDL management is to refine the existing 12-team framework rather than pursuing rapid growth for the 2027 season.