The Call of Duty League (CDL) is undergoing a major shakeup, with reports indicating that Vegas Legion may be exiting the league, making room for the Saudi-backed Team Falcons to take their place. This surprising development comes amidst the ongoing Call of Duty rostermania, just days after the conclusion of the 2024 Esports World Cup.
Vegas Legion’s Exit from CDL: A Sudden Departure
The news of Vegas Legion’s potential departure from the CDL was first reported by Breaking Point on X (formerly Twitter) on August 19. According to the report, not only is the team leaving the league, but the organization itself may cease to exist entirely heading into the 2025 season. This would mark a somber end to a CDL founding team that struggled to make a significant impact over nearly five years.
- Breaking Point Report: The organization is allegedly shutting down completely, leaving both players and support staff out of jobs.
- Legacy of Vegas Legion: Originally known as Paris Legion, the team was one of the CDL’s original franchises but faced consistent challenges in achieving competitive success.
A History of Struggles
Vegas Legion’s journey in the CDL has been marked by underwhelming performances and constant roster changes. The team entered the league in its inaugural season with a roster featuring players from Australian teams Mindfreak and Reciprocity, but early promise quickly faded.
- Key Moments: The team had a few bright spots, such as a successful CDL Warzone weekend and a decent showing in London, but never reached a stage final in the CDL.
- Rebranding: In 2022, the team rebranded from Paris Legion to Vegas Legion in hopes of turning their fortunes around, but results remained lackluster.
Final Straws
The decision to potentially shut down the Vegas Legion organization appears to have been influenced by their performance at the recent Esports World Cup in Riyadh. The team failed to advance beyond the group stage, leading to the announcement of most of the roster and coaching staff entering free agency ahead of CDL 2025.
- Fenix’s Farewell: Sam “Fenix” Spencer, a member of the coaching staff, confirmed the team’s move into free agency, thanking the players and coaches he worked with over the past year.
Team Falcons: The New Entrants
Rumors suggest that Team Falcons, a Saudi-funded organization, is set to replace Vegas Legion in the CDL. Team Falcons has rapidly expanded its presence in the esports world, acquiring teams and slots in various titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and Apex Legends.
- EWC Success: Team Falcons made a strong showing at the Esports World Cup, with representation in nearly every event and a club championship win.
- Ambitions in Franchising: The organization has long targeted franchise leagues, including an interest in entering the League of Legends European Championship.
Implications for CDL
If the reports are true, Team Falcons’ entry into the CDL could bring fresh energy and resources to the league. Their backing and commitment to success in multiple esports titles suggest that they will be a serious contender in the upcoming season.
- Impact on CDL: The arrival of Team Falcons could shake up the competitive landscape, especially with their deep pockets and drive to succeed.
- Response from the Community: Fans and analysts are eagerly waiting to see how Team Falcons will perform in the CDL and what impact their entry will have on the league as a whole.
Final Thoughts
The potential exit of Vegas Legion from the CDL and the entry of Team Falcons marks a significant shift in the Call of Duty competitive scene. As one of the league’s original teams bows out, a new, ambitious organization is poised to take their place, promising to bring renewed competition and excitement to the CDL.