Unexpected news came out from the Overwatch League today. It was not any changes to the format, teams, or players themselves. Today, the Overwatch League partners with Upper Deck to produce various memorabilia for the fans.

For those that are unfamiliar with Upper Deck, they produce collectible cards for traditional sports that contain statistics for players, signatures from popular players in their respective sports, and even produce limited and special edition cards. 

In a press release from Upper Deck, they made the following statement:
"Upper Deck and the Overwatch League™ today announced a multi-year deal for licensed collectibles that includes the world’s first-ever official esports league trading card release as well as stickers, sticker books, prints, posters and memorabilia. The collaboration with the Overwatch League marks the first venture into esports for Upper Deck.

Overwatch League fans will now be able to buy, open, collect, and trade cards with other collectors across the globe through Upper Deck e-Pack™, the patent-pending platform that allows fans to easily access trading card packs from anywhere in the world using a smart phone, tablet, or computer. What makes the e-Pack system truly unique is the ability for users to get actual physical versions of cards sent directly to them at any time"

Fans are able to see a glimpse of the card set on June 19, 2019 on UpperDeckEpack.com. Attendees at the 2019 Overwatch League All-Star events will receive sneak-peek promo packs with two exclusive All-Star themed hero cards available for a limited time via a QR code.

On top of Upper Deck, the Overwatch League now has sponsors from Bud Light, Coca-Cola, OMEN by HP, Intel, T-Mobile, Toyota, and State Farm.

The league continues to expand and grow its audience as time moves forward. Time will tell how the league will expand heading forward into the 2020 season.