Riot Games Accepts Final Applications for European LCS Permanent Partners
Riot Games has accepted applications from SK Gaming, North, Rogue, and Movistar Riders to become permanent partners in the European LCS. These organizations would join the current EU LCS teams, including Fnatic, G2 Esports, Misfits, Schalke 04, Team Vitality, and a new team owned by Astralis.
Setbacks in Negotiations for Official Entries
While it is likely that these four organizations will become the 10 official permanent partners, their official league entries are still pending due to setbacks in negotiations. If any of the 10 teams were to drop out, an alternate team from the application process could replace them, although this scenario is unlikely.
Unicorns of Love Denied Franchising Application
Unicorns of Love, a team that competed in the EU LCS since 2015, announced that its franchising application had been denied. The manager and coach, Fabian “Sheepy” Mallant, believes that Riot is looking for money-driven partners with strong financial backing, which did not fit UoL’s description.
Completion of the Franchising Process
If all 10 applications are officially accepted, it would mark the end of an eight-month process. In March, Riot announced its move to a franchising system in Europe, similar to the NA LCS. The NA LCS introduced its permanent partners in December 2017.
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