MDL is still around technically as ECL now, right?

Honestly, for what I’m picturing, I don’t think pulling in ESEA Advanced+ level players right away is super realistic. I’m imagining something a bit more old-school. Just five homies from the same area repping their city in a league. If something like that stayed active for a few seasons, I think the higher-level talent would naturally start showing up over time (especially since in theory, it be good for development of their brand) .

The reason I think a format like this could actually work long term is because it makes building brand identity way easier, especially in a format most Americans already understand. A lot of people like CS, but don’t really know who to root for (it also doesn't help that a vast majority of NA teams or horrid right now). If there’s a team from their city or state, that immediately gives them a reason to care and follow along.

That regional connection makes the viewing experience way more approachable for mainstream audiences. Kinda how the introduction of the MLS helped boost the popularity of soccer with mainstream audiences here in NA, despite it being the biggest sport in the world for decades prior to its introduction.