A Last-Minute Contender Bids for EU LCS Spots
A surprising entry has emerged in the race for the EU LCS spots for Fnatic’s and Misfits’ academy teams. Laser Kittenz, an organization launched in March with an Overwatch team, has submitted bids for both spots, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Riot’s Rules and Saba’s Background
Riot’s regulations prohibit sister teams from competing in the same league, which means that both Fnatic and Misfits need to sell their academy teams. Today was the deadline for Fnatic and Misfits to submit potential buyers to Riot for approval. The League developer has the final say in approving team owners for its leagues, and only vetted owners are eligible to purchase an open slot. Saba, the former Misfits manager, was able to meet the deadline and is now being considered as a potential buyer.
Saba is not new to the League esports scene. He was involved when pharma-millionaire Martin Shkreli attempted to profit from an amateur team called Ex Nihilo in 2015. However, Shkreli’s attempt failed, leaving the organization in ruins with unpaid debts to staff and players. Saba stepped in to fund the team before it disbanded in November 2015. He then worked with Renegades, later Misfits, before leaving as general manager to start Laser Kittenz. The Laser Kittenz Overwatch roster consists of top players from teams like Reunited, TSM, Rogue, and Lunatic-Hai.
Speculations and the Cost of Spots
Recent speculations suggested that Fnatic’s spot could go to Ninjas in Pyjamas, but the owner denied the claim. It was also reported that NiP had been in talks with Origen and Misfits, further supporting the rumors. The reported price for the Fnatic Academy spot is around $500,000, significantly lower than previous LCS buy-ins. This could be due to the timing, as spots in Blizzard’s upcoming Overwatch League are rumored to be worth up to $20 million.
The Future and The Decision
A decision on who will secure the spots for Fnatic’s and Misfits’ academy teams will be made in the coming days, along with decisions regarding player contracts. Riot’s roster lock and paperwork deadline is next week, just one week before the Summer Split begins on June 1. Fans of League esports will soon have two new teams to root for.
EU LCS spots, Laser Kittenz bids, Fnatic, Misfits, academy teams, Riot regulations, potential buyers, Saba’s background, Overwatch League, speculations, LCS buy-ins, playoffs, Summer Split, League esports