Summary
- Call of Duty League starts December 2025, shortly after Black Ops 7, with the full season schedule arriving soon.
- Teams are finalizing rosters, while rumors point to a 2026 UK event, the first since CDL London 2020.
- You will see Overload mode, Zombie updates, Warzone map changes, and COD Mobile improvements.
In December 2025 you will see the Call of Duty League (CDL) come back. This follows the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which will launch on November 14. The return follows last year’s December start, showing Activision’s trend of planning its esports season around the same time.
Ending a Long Off-Season
Many have waited since June 2025, when OpTic Texas defended their championship title, for new action. The December return finally ends a six-month off-season, giving teams and supporters something to look forward to. With the schedule expected in the coming weeks, excitement is already building across the competitive scene.
What We Know About the Format
During the COD Next 2025 showcase, CDL commentator Miles Ross confirmed the December start. He also teased that the full season structure will be revealed soon. Treyarch hasn’t given details yet, but new content is expected to be connected on Black Ops 7. The format will remain familiar even though they’re using new strategies that are linked to the game’s updated mechanics.
Possible UK Return in 2026
Leaks suggest that CDL events could head back to the United Kingdom in 2026. If true, this would mark the first league competition in the region since the London Home Series in 2020. A European return would expand the competitive stage and help the league reach new audiences worldwide.
The Rise of Overload Mode
A spotlight from COD Next was the introduction of a new multiplayer mode called Overload. This mode will challenge teams to secure and deliver an Overload Device to score points. In casual play, the carrier gets a radar pulse, but this feature has been disabled for competitive use. Depending on player feedback, Overload could become a permanent in CDL matches starting this December.
Zombies Make a Strong Return
Black Ops 7 brings back their iconic Zombies experience, adding both familiar and fresh characters. Ashes of the Damned, a new map, promises chaotic battles with different undead enemies. A Wonder Vehicle lets teams move across the map and boost its power to defeat Zombies more efficiently. While Zombies is not part of CDL, it adds extra hype to the game surrounding the league’s return.
Warzone Evolves for a New Era
Alongside the competitive league, Call of Duty: Warzone is receiving big updates with the Black Ops 7 cycle. There’s also a new Resurgence map, Haven’s Hollow, which will join Rebirth Island and Verdansk. Verdansk will include updated locations, featuring a Signal Station and a remastered Factory. Developers also promised to refresh the weapon meta more often to keep the gameplay balanced and exciting for players.
Call of Duty Mobile Updates
Celebrating its 6th anniversary, Call of Duty: Mobile will have exciting changes. There will be night time versions in maps like, Hackney Yard, Summit, and Crash. Developers are improving weapon handling, animations, and map visuals for smoother play. There will be a new DMZ: Recon mode in the game, inspired by the DMZ feature from Modern Warfare 2.
Why December Matters
Starting the CDL in December is reasonable since there’s a hype around Black Ops 7. Teams will have more time to lock in rosters, and fans stay engaged during the holiday season. This schedule helps the league start with interests from both casual players and competitive fans.
Final Thoughts
The Call of Duty League’s December 2025 comeback sets the stage for another thrilling year of esports. With Black Ops 7 introducing new modes, mechanics, and teams preparing fresh rosters, you can expect fierce competition. It is clear that they’re wanting to have an unforgettable season having major updates on Hackney Yard, Summit, and Crash. It doesn’t matter if you follow CDL or enjoy casual play, the months ahead promise with nonstop action.
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