LCS Players Association Keeps Strike Date Secret to Outsmart Riot Games
The LCS Players Association (LCSPA) is taking steps to blindside Riot Games, franchised North American esports organizations, and potential scab players by keeping the exact date and time of their planned walkout confidential. Despite this secrecy, one strike date is gaining traction.
In a statement to on May 29, representatives from the LCSPA expressed their expectation that Riot and teams would attempt to hire replacement players. In response, the NA association has decided to withhold specific voting numbers and walkout dates from the public.
Association Gains Support for Strike
In an effort to gather support for the strike, the LCSPA has reached out to non-LCS players, urging them not to take on replacement roles that would undermine the association’s negotiating power.
The association’s message to Riot is clear: meet with the players and agree to a plan that satisfies everyone involved.
Possible Strike Dates Revealed
Although the exact date remains undisclosed, there is growing speculation that the walkout will occur on the first day of the 2023 LCS Summer Split. According to insider information, the strike may last for the first two matchdays. The expectation is that no LCS players will attend Riot Games Arena during this time.
reached out to Riot for a formal response, but no statement has been received yet.
The Association’s Demands
The LCSPA has outlined five key points that it wants to address with Riot officials. These points include implementing a “VALORANT-style” relegation and promotion system between the LCS and NACL, providing more incentives for participating teams, creating a $300,000 USD revenue pool for NACL teams to pay salaries, establishing minimum contracts for title-winning players, and ensuring that three out of five players on any dropped NACL rosters have first priority in retaining their place if the majority of the team remains together.
The association has made it clear that it hopes Riot will engage in open and transparent discussions to resolve the issues at hand.
Emergency Roster Signings Allowed
Leading up to the strike, Riot has given LCS organizations permission to make emergency roster signings. However, the LCSPA has taken steps to prevent any action in this regard through player discussions.
It is important to note that all LCS organizations are legally obligated to field League rosters this week.
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