paris Gentle Mates, a French Call of Duty esports organization, swiftly disbanded in January 2020 after just one season in the Call of Duty League (CDL). The team, initially known as Paris, rebranded mid-season to avoid confusion with other esports entities using the “Paris” moniker.
the organization’s brief existence highlighted the challenges faced by new teams entering the CDL’s franchised system. Despite securing a spot in the league for a reported $25 million, Paris Gentle Mates struggled on the field and faced organizational difficulties, ultimately leading to its withdrawal. This marked the first franchise to leave the CDL, raising questions about the league’s long-term stability and the financial pressures on team owners.
Founded by ReKTGlobal, the team initially featured a roster of European players including Zer0, Jurd, Rated, and Classic. Adam Fitch of Esports Insider reported on October 21, 2019, that the organization had been introduced as the Los angeles Guerrillas for the CDL, a name that was later corrected. The team’s performance throughout the 2020 season was consistently near the bottom of the standings.
the rebrand to Paris Gentle Mates came after concerns about brand recognition and potential conflicts with the Paris Saint-Germain football club. However, the name change did little to improve the team’s fortunes.
Following the team’s departure, the CDL spot was acquired by 100 Thieves, demonstrating the continued interest in the league despite the initial setback. The Paris Gentle mates’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the high costs and competitive pressures within the burgeoning esports industry.
