The Future of the EU LCS: Finding the Right Model
The EU LCS is at a critical juncture, and everyone involved knows that something needs to change. Riot Games and its stakeholders are working behind the scenes to find a solution. But what could that solution look like? What is the ideal model for the EU LCS?
Franchising in North America
In 2018, Riot Games’ North American League Championship Series (NA LCS) will adopt a franchising model. Team owners who buy in will secure a permanent spot in the league and benefit from revenue sharing. Additionally, players will receive minimum salaries, social security benefits, and representation through a player association.
This model is already well-established and widely accepted in North American sports leagues like the NFL and NBA.
The Attractiveness of the NA LCS
In contrast, Riot Games has not revealed much about its plans for the EU LCS. The lack of information, combined with the appeal of the franchised NA LCS, has led some of Europe’s biggest and most successful League organizations, such as Fnatic, G2 Esports, Splyce, and Misfits, to apply to join the NA LCS instead, according to an ESPN report.
The Desire for an Enticing EU LCS Model
EU fans are understandably frustrated. They wonder why Riot is unable to propose a model for the EU LCS that is equally appealing as the franchised NA LCS. The easiest solution would be to franchise in Europe as well. However, Riot is hesitant to take this approach because European sports culture values the relegation system – a tradition where poorly performing teams are replaced by top-performing teams in the next season. Franchising is often seen as dull in comparison.
A Model Inspired by the UEFA Champions League
One idea gaining support is a model similar to the UEFA Champions League. Soccer is the most popular sport in Europe, and the Champions League is its most prestigious club competition. The concept behind the Champions League is to pit the best teams from various national leagues against each other to determine the ultimate European champion.
This model can easily be adapted for the EU LCS.
Implementing a Champions League-like Structure
The first step would be to replace the flawed Challenger Series with the European Regional Leagues (ERL). Introduced by Riot in 2016, these leagues consist of teams united by language, culture, or geographic region in Europe. Regional champions would then qualify for the EU LCS, similar to how Champions League teams are chosen.
The existing Riot-approved European Regional Leagues are located in Germany, Spain, France, Poland, the UK, and the Nordics. Extending the ERL to include aspiring regions such as Turkey or CIS would serve as excellent expansion options.
Embracing Europe’s Diversity and Cultivating Support
In this model, the regional leagues would become the home grounds for EU’s best teams. For example, Fnatic could compete in the UK, G2 Esports in Spain, Roccat in Germany, and Team Vitality in France. Other factors besides location could also be considered when determining league placement.
This regionalization could provide an opportunity to cultivate support and national pride. Making it to the EU LCS as a regional league winner or runner-up could generate significant support from a whole country. Teams and regional league organizers could embrace Europe’s diversity and use it to their advantage in promoting narratives and storylines.
Investments and Challenges
Implementing a successful Champions League-like EU LCS would require investments from Riot and their partners. Production capabilities and league operations would need to be improved. Incentives for organizations to join or remain in the EU, such as revenue sharing or larger prize pools, would also be necessary.
However, there are challenges to consider. Smaller organizations currently competing in the regional leagues would face tough competition from the larger organizations. Initially, LCS-proven teams would likely dominate. Over time, though, competition quality would improve, and smaller teams and new talent would catch up.
The most crucial aspect would be for Riot HQ to relinquish control and allow third parties to run and expand the regional leagues. Without the involvement of these third parties, this model would not work.
While the transition may be challenging, adopting a Champions League-like format for the EU LCS has the potential to rejuvenate the league. It would create a unique approach based on Europe’s rich sports culture – a true league of champions.