Mark Ein buys Overwatch League team, officially bringing professional esports to DC

Mark Ein, businessman, entrepreneur and native Washingtonian, has purchased an Overwatch League team, making him the owner of Washington, D.C.’s first professional esports team. The team’s territory will include all of D.C., Maryland and Virginia, according to a press release.

“I deeply believe in the power of sports to inspire people, bring communities together and serve as impactful platforms to give back,” Ein said in the press release.

The D.C.-based esports team is one of eight teams included in the Overwatch League’s multi-city expansion. Philadelphia’s team, the Fusion, made it to the league’s first ever final before losing the championship to the London Spitfire.

“We are excited to welcome the first Overwatch League team to Washington, D.C.,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said in the press release. “A new global sports platform in Washington, D.C. means more jobs and entertainment for District residents and a new opportunity to prove ourselves as the sports capital.”

(For what it’s worth, players from Philadelphia’s team was based in Los Angeles in Year 1.)

Ein also serves as the founder, chairman and CEO of Capitol Investment Corp. IV and Venturehouse Group, LLC, and last year, he acquired the Washington City Paper. He is the founder and owner of the Washington Kastles franchise, a six-time champion of the World TeamTennis league. Ein formed Washington Esports Ventures to purchase the Overwatch League team.

“We are very pleased to welcome Washington Esports Ventures into the Overwatch League,” Pete Vlastelica, president and CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues said. “We set a very high bar for expansion teams, and we’re confident that we have a terrific owner with Mark Ein and his team, who have a great record in traditional sports and building a passionate local fan base.”

The D.C. Overwatch League team will host activities, game tournaments and fan events for the community. For his professional contributions to D.C., Ein will be inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame this November.