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Riot Games has officially confirmed recent rumours about the North American League of Legends league downsizing from 10 to eight teams for the 2024 season.
Golden Guardians and Evil Geniuses are set to exit the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), allowing their former players to explore new opportunities during the current offseason.
This downsizing comes shortly after the LCS achieved record-breaking viewership in the 2023 World Championship finals.
The departure of Golden Guardians and EG raises questions about potential changes to the LCS format and whether other organizations will step up to claim spots in the franchised league.
Riot’s president of esports, John Needham, disclosed that both organizations had the option to terminate their “team participating agreements” (TPA) and settle with Riot, with the transactions being recently finalized.
Golden Guardians, owned by the Golden State Warriors, opted to redirect resources toward traditional sports, specifically basketball.
On the other hand, EG faced financial struggles, compelling the organization to withdraw from LCS participation.
As a result, Riot is now tasked with considering the future of the LCS.
Riot has been expediting settlements with these organizations to enable players to potentially join other teams before the 2024 season kicks off.
However, the staff behind the scenes are left to navigate their next steps independently.
Riot’s Needham emphasized the challenge, stating, “They are employees of different organizations. There’s no way for us to really intercede and do anything for those people, sadly.”
LCS fans now face the reality of a smaller league in the 2024 season, with Riot expected to disclose its plans for the future early next year.
Both Golden Guardians and EG players and staff find themselves caught off guard by the sudden news.
Top laner Eric “Licorice” Ritchie expressed his uncertainty about the future, having planned to play for Golden Guardians in 2024.
I received the news this morning that GG won’t be a part of the LCS next year
My plan for next year was to play for GG again so as of right now I don’t have a team and will likely not be a starter in the LCS next year, since remaining teams have all locked top laners afaik
— Licorice (@Licorice) November 20, 2023
Kelsey Moser, the head of EG League coaching staff, voiced disappointment in the timing of the news, as very few were aware before the weekend.
The late announcement poses challenges for players seeking opportunities in the upcoming season, especially given that the official news coincided with the opening of the free agency window.
The League of Legends Championship Series Players Association (LCSPA) expressed dissatisfaction with Riot’s “11th hour” decision, stating that it has cost jobs for 20 percent of the league overnight.
While acknowledging frustrations with communication and the lack of time for affected players to find new opportunities, the LCSPA sees the removal of struggling organizations as a net benefit.
The association emphasized the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the LCS.
The LCSPA had demonstrated its influence earlier in the year when Riot unexpectedly removed the requirement for LCS teams to field Academy rosters.
In response, the association voted for a walkout during the opening games of the Summer Split, forcing Riot to postpone the games and reconsider its decision.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this marks an inflection point for the LCSPA and if they will take further action in response to the recent changes in the LCS landscape.
Statement from the LCSPA https://t.co/RK302gkUOE pic.twitter.com/LhDiIqOfWB
— LCS Players Association (@NALCSPA) November 20, 2023
