BLACK OPS 7 • 2025-2026
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Stay updated on team news and roster moves—across the CDL and Challengers.
CDL 2026 FRANCHISES
12 TEAMS
OpTic Texas
Back-to-back ChampsDashy, Huke, Mercules, Shotzzy
FaZe Vegas
Relocated from AtlantaDrazah, Simp, 04, Abuzah
LA Thieves
Hollywood squadEnvoy, Ghosty, Kremp, Abe
Miami Heretics
Formerly Boston BreachLucky, Mettalz, Vikul, ReeaL
Toronto Ultra
EU powerhouseCleanX, Hicksy, Insight, Scrappy
Riyadh Falcons
Saudi-backed franchiseJukeyz, Wardy, Nastie, Vortex
Carolina Royal Ravens
Rookie-heavy rosterBeans, Craze, Lurqxx, Legend
Seattle Surge
Veteran leadershipClayster, Sib, Pred, Mack
G2 Minnesota
Formerly Minnesota RØKKRKenny, Attach, Flame, Mamba
New York Subliners
NYC representKiSMET, Estreal, ERA, Scrap
Vegas Legion
Sin City squadHavok, Diamondcon, PaulEhx, SlasheR
Cloud9 New York
C9 expansionHydra, Skyz, Vivid, Snoopy
2026 CHANGES: FaZe relocated to Vegas, Minnesota rebranded to G2, Boston moved to Miami as Heretics. Cloud9 enters as 12th franchise.
KEY STORYLINES
OpTic Dominance
Can anyone stop the back-to-back champs? Dashy and Shotzzy continue their reign.
FaZe Reboot
Vegas relocation brings fresh energy. Simp and Drazah lead a rebuilt squad.
Rookie Revolution
Carolina fields one of the youngest rosters in CDL history with multiple Challengers graduates.
Falcons Rising
Saudi investment bringing two academy teams, developing talent pipeline from MENA region.
Huntsmen Legacy
OpTic's academy team coached by MajorManiak & Methodz producing future CDL talent.
CHALLENGERS → CDL PIPELINE
The path from Challengers to the CDL is more active than ever. The 2026 rookie class features several Challengers graduates who proved themselves in Elite competition.
| Player | From | To | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mamba | OMiT Brooklyn | G2 Minnesota | Signed |
| Craze | Stallions | Carolina Royal Ravens | Signed |
| Lurqxx | Stallions | Carolina Royal Ravens | Signed |
| Legend | Challengers | Carolina Royal Ravens | Rookie |
| Abe | Challengers | LA Thieves | Rookie |
WATCH LIST: Aluca (OMiT) has subbed for FaZe. Expect more mid-season callups as teams look for roster upgrades.
NA ELITE STAGE 1 TEAMS
12 QUALIFIED
| Seed | Team | Roster | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Team Phantomz21 | Phantomz, Peel, Prodahh, vikrzm | Unity Visual |
| 02 | Huntsmen | Kips, Renegade, Rspi, Nium | MajorManiak |
| 03 | OMiT Brooklyn | Aluca, Mohawk, Brack, Zap | — |
| 04 | Next Threat Black | Oshker, Haggy, Doof, Slash | — |
| 05 | Falcons Academy White | Tormenttt, Zarp, Ferit, Toni | — |
| 06 | FiveFears | Kyuu, Alvin, Sayo, Frag | — |
| 07 | Project Notorious | Benji, Rokz, Saturn, Phantom | — |
| 08 | Falcons Academy Green | Mango, Edge, Vance, Riyo | — |
| 09 | High Treason | Theory, Blaze, Gunner, Slash | — |
| 10 | Stallions Black | Seththe2nd, Gavion, Strikez, Maux | — |
| 11 | CABAL Esports Team | Reaper, Static, Neon, Drift | — |
| 12 | Telluride Bush Gaming | Capsidal, Prolute, Spart, Fire | Temp |
NOTE: Teams qualified through Open Bracket performance. Stage 1 runs through February with the Major in March.
CHALLENGERS ORGANIZATIONS
CDL-Affiliated Teams
Huntsmen
• OpTic Challengers
Falcons Academy White
• Riyadh Falcons academy
Falcons Academy Green
• Second Falcons squad
The Stallions
• ZooMaa's organization
Independent Organizations
Telluride Bush Gaming
• Barstool Sports - 2x Cup Winners
OMiT Brooklyn
• Produced multiple CDL players
Team Phantomz21
• Top seed in NA Elite
Next Threat Black
• Competitive veteran squad
STAY UPDATED
Follow official sources for the latest standings, schedules, and roster announcements.