Riot Confirms LCS Will Be an Eight-Team League in 2024
Riot Games has officially announced that the LCS will transition into an eight-team league in 2024. As part of this change, Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians have mutually agreed with Riot to exit the league without being replaced. However, this decision has received criticism from the LCS Players Association (LCSPA).
LCSPA Raises Concerns
Following Riot’s confirmation, the LCSPA released a statement expressing their dissatisfaction. They argue that Riot made a last-minute decision that has resulted in the immediate loss of jobs for 20 percent of the league. The player’s association believes that this decision negatively impacts the affected players’ ability to find new opportunities.
The LCSPA emphasizes that, despite frustrations with the communication surrounding the decision, removing struggling organizations is ultimately beneficial. They point out previous incidents involving Evil Geniuses mistreating players in other games like Dota 2 and ongoing disputes with their VALORANT roster.
According to the LCSPA, “Only when players have their voices fully heard, can we all build a better future for the LCS than what franchising has delivered so far.”
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Earlier this year, the LCSPA demonstrated its influence when Riot unexpectedly removed the requirement for LCS teams to field Academy rosters. The player’s association voted to stage a walkout during the opening games of the Summer Split. This forced Riot to postpone the games and later threatened to cancel the Split and strip World’s qualification slots to prevent embarrassment.
It is important to note that the LCSPA can only organize a walkout and not a formal strike due to its status as a player’s association rather than a recognized union. The complexities of unionization efforts in esports, particularly with developer-franchised leagues, involve multiple parties such as players, organizations, and Riot themselves.
Only time will tell if this moment marks a turning point for the LCSPA and whether they will vote to take further action.
Riot Games, LCS, League of Legends, esports, LCSPA, player’s association, Evil Geniuses, Golden Guardians