Call of Duty League (CDL) franchise team London Royal Ravens have bid farewell to their European roots and embarked on a new journey in the United States, marking the end of an era for the last of the EU franchises. The 2024 CDL season will see the London Royal Ravens rebranded as the Carolina Royal Ravens, firmly planting their flag in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Royal Ravens Transitions From London to Carolina

This relocation not only signifies a geographical shift but also a strategic rebranding effort to align the franchise with the vibrant city of Charlotte. Following in the footsteps of traditional sports franchises like the NFL's Carolina Panthers, the London Royal Ravens will now carry the name "Carolina," embracing their new home with enthusiasm.

The name "Royal Ravens" has its roots in the Tower of London, where real ravens have long been symbolic protectors of the Crown. Charlotte, on the other hand, is known as "The Queen City," a reference to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a former queen whose name graces the city. This interesting juxtaposition of names, one inspired by UK history and the other by American history, reflects the franchise's unique position in bridging two worlds.

The London Royal Ravens franchise, now operating under the ownership of Infinite Reality, made headlines when it acquired its former parent company, ReKTGlobal, for a staggering $470 million in July 2022. Notably, the franchise had contingency plans in place for potential moves to other major cities, including Mexico City, Washington D.C., and Chicago. Ultimately, Charlotte emerged as the chosen destination, securing its place in the CDL landscape.

However, this relocation isn't the only transformation the Carolina Royal Ravens have undergone. Prior to their rebranding, the team decided to part ways with all of its players in June, leaving fans and esports enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the announcement of the inaugural season's roster. This move adds an element of suspense to the franchise's debut in Carolina and raises questions about the new faces that will represent the team in the CDL.

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The Carolina Royal Ravens join the Florida Mutineers, who rebranded as the Miami Heretics earlier in the offseason, in making significant changes to their identity and location. These developments showcase the dynamic nature of the CDL, where teams evolve, relocate, and rebrand to stay competitive and engage with their fan base.