Sources: CDL 2027 Season Plans - More Tournaments, Two Pro-Am Majors, Challengers Integration, and Coaches on Stage

The Call of Duty League (CDL) is set for a significant expansion in 2027. The upcoming season will introduce more online competition, additional minor tournaments, two Pro-Am Majors, and changes to the Major format. In total, the 2027 season is expected to feature 359 matches, up from 286 in 2026.

A Two-Week Kickoff Minor

To open the year, fans will get a two-week Kickoff Minor featuring both CDL and Challengers teams.

📸 Photo by @CODLeague

How It Works

For 2027, the CDL is adding some drama to the kickoff with a seeded group stage determined by votes from the CDL teams themselves. Each team will rank its opponents from 1 to 11, and all votes will be made public.

Challenger players will also compete in this minor, with qualification coming from the first two cups of the season. The top two North American teams from those cups will earn a spot.

The format consists of GSL groups in a double-elimination format, with sixteen teams divided into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance. At least one more minor featuring North American Challengers teams will take place later in the season.

More Pro-Am Events

Minors are entertaining to watch online, but nothing beats competing against professional players on LAN. That's exactly what's coming next season, with two Pro-Am Majors planned for 2027.

Major 3: A New Format

The CDL will test a new format at Major 3, which will feature a 12-team play-in over four days. Seeds 7-12 will play in, followed by a top-eight double-elimination bracket.

📸 Photo by @CODLeague

CoD Champs Format Unchanged

CoD Champs will keep the same format as in previous years, as the CDL is satisfied with how it has played out.

Coin Flip System Changes

The first time two teams meet in a qualifier match, a coin flip will determine which team chooses Team A or Team B for the map veto. If the same teams meet a second time in qualifiers during the same CDL season, the team that lost the first coin flip will automatically win the coin toss. If they meet a third time in a season, they'll flip a coin again.

Coaches Are Back

In an exciting change for 2027, the CDL is committing to letting coaches join players on stage at all LAN events. This follows the trend from the last two Esports World Cups, where coaches were present on stage. We expected this change for the 2026 CDL season, but it never came. It's now confirmed for 2027.