How Cloud9 Keeps Missing the Mark in the CDL

During the Modern Warfare III season, Cloud9 returned to the Call of Duty scene by acquiring the New York Subliners' spot for the Esports World Cup and the 2024 CDL season. Many fans hoped this move would be positive for the scene, given the involvement of a well-known organization. However, it has turned out to be anything but that.

Instead, fans witnessed a World Championship roster being dismantled in favor of a lower-budget build for the 2025 season, a season in which the team performed miserably.

But that was the past, right? Unfortunately, it only got worse. They approached the new season with a team rumored to have the lowest-paid roster in CDL history and only one head coach, who isn’t even working with the team in the States. On paper, the roster had potential, featuring two talented British players, Afro and Beans, alongside experienced CDL players who had thrived in Challengers at the end of the 2025 season. Head coach Arian did a commendable job considering the circumstances. Sadly, the results were not in their favor, with many close defeats. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how close you are if you keep losing; they ended up placing top 12 at Major 1.

Following this event, we heard rumors of a possible one-player roster change, but that was just the beginning. Sources indicated that if they were to keep the roster together, salaries would be halved from $48,000 to $24,000. Current players were unwilling to accept this, leading to their release. Afro, Vivid, and Beans have all since announced that they are now free agents. We are still awaiting a comment from Mack, but we expect a similar outcome.

This would result in the lowest-salaried team in Call of Duty League history, and by a significant margin. Essentially, professional players would be positioned in a franchised league on minimum wage. This raises the question: how far can this organization go before the CDL front office intervenes?

Many fans are left wondering why Cloud9 even entered the Call of Duty League if this was their plan for the spot. A once-coveted and beloved team from the New York Subliners has now devolved into a dismal shadow of an organization, making the Paris Legion look like OpTic Gaming. Unfortunately, it seems fair to assume that Cloud9 only re-entered Call of Duty to participate in the Esports World Cup and increase the franchise's overall prize money.

📸 Photo by @CODLeague

We reached out to C9 for comment on this matter, and Owner Jack indeed responded. We had a detailed phone call discussing some of these rumored issues, and this is the result.

It has now been announced that all four players have been released. According to reliable sources, you offered the players a chance to accept a 50% salary cut, with the understanding that if they declined, they would be let go, an outcome that has now occurred. Could you explain why this decision was made after just one stage of the season?

Jack: I was not satisfied with their performance. I didn’t ask the players to take a cut, but I wanted them to explore other options. I didn’t think it was fair for them to be in discussions with other players while they were still under contract. I wanted to give them the best chance to find a new team. Additionally, I paid for their rent for a month to give them time to sort things out, and will cover any breaking fees if needed for housing.

Furthermore, what would you say to fans who are questioning why you joined the Call of Duty League (CDL) if there has been little effort to build a competitive roster, particularly for this current season?

Jack: My intention was to keep the New York Subliners roster intact, but after EWC, the players no longer wanted to play together. I wanted to build the LAT team with Hydra and Scrap, but I preferred to keep them in LA. That’s why I sold Hydra, as the players wanted to relocate to Texas. I felt I couldn’t create a bond with them under these circumstances, which made it unworkable for the organization. We sold players for less than their worth to allow them to join teams they preferred.

Is the rumored financial strategy for Cloud9's Call of Duty team a long-term plan, or should we expect significant investments in the coming years?

Jack: It is a short-term strategy that seems to work in the current environment. If that changes, we will adjust with the right partners if investment opportunities arise.

Every organization has its own motives in the CDL. Is Cloud9's motivation more about competing within the CDL or also competing in additional esports at the Esports World Cup (EWC) while maintaining stable revenue sharing in another esport? Are you committed to the CDL long-term, or are you open to selling your spot?

Jack: I am committed and am not looking to sell at all. I’m trying to figure out how to make this work. I have turned down inquiries from other organizations.

With the salary amounts we have heard being offered, are you providing housing for players?

Jack: Some players we are in discussions with have no motive to move. It will depend on the player’s situation. Having players from Europe will be harder, but I am willing to work to make it happen.

If your budget is unable to compete with top teams, how do you plan on differentiating your franchise?

Jack: Our thinking is focused on putting players in a better position while they are with us regarding MTX sales and prize earnings. Players and coaches will earn 100%.

I don’t want to lose money for my investors, but I also want my players to earn. The key behind this will be to incentivize players to drive the most skin sales.