For the Overwatch League, the key word in this pandemic period has been and remains "adaptation." With the cancellations of the homestandsand and the introduction of online matches, the league had to evolve and adjust. From schedules to rules, everything has to change and can potentially change again in the future. To adapt to those new constraints, the Overwatch League is adopting more flexible rules:
Team Size
Teams must have a minimum of seven players under contract at all times. Previously, the minimum was eight players.
14-Day Contracts
In cases where a team is at real risk of having fewer than six players available for its next match, the League Office will allow teams to sign players for a 14-day contract. Players signed for these short-term contracts will be able to participate in online matches without restrictions.
Player Locations
Teams can now choose to have players located in other regions to participate in online matches. They must understand that these players will have to play with high latency. Teams will continue to compete in their designated regions for online matches.
Original content by Jean-Vincent "Durvil" Cannata.