Team Dignitas Faces Tough Decision on Selling LCS Team
In a significant moment for Team Dignitas’ history, their second League of Legends team qualified for the League Championship Series (LCS) on Aug. 12. However, Riot Games rules prohibit an organization from having two teams in the LCS, which now forces Dignitas to choose which team to sell.
The organization is most well-known for their North American team, which has been a part of the LCS since its inception in February 2013. But since Dignitas is based in the U.K., the success of their European team creates an interesting dilemma. In a recent talk show with Richard Lewis from the Daily Dot, Dignitas owner Michael “ODEE” O’Dell announced that both teams are up for sale, but only one will be sold.
The organization plans to accept bids for both LCS spots starting in September, after the 2016 Promotion Tournament. The fate of both League of Legends teams will depend on the quality of the offers received and whether O’Dell believes the potential buyers can run a successful team. O’Dell mentioned that the difference in travel may influence his decision to sell the North American team, but it ultimately depends on the offers he receives.
O’Dell intends to make his decision by the end of September, giving the new owner of the sold team four months to prepare for the 2016 season.
The history of the American team goes back to September 2011 when Dignitas acquired team Rock Solid. Since then, all the original members have retired and Dignitas has made several roster changes.
This is the second time an organization has had to make the choice of selling one of its teams in the game’s competitive history. Last year, Team Curse owner Steve “LiQuiD112” Arhancet had to sell one of his teams after his Challenger squad qualified for the LCS through the 2016 Spring Expansion Tournament. Arhancet easily made the choice because of his long-term management of the team and his close relationships with the players and staff. He ultimately sold the Challenger squad to young entrepreneur Davis “Samurai” Vague.
Keyword: Team Dignitas, LCS, League of Legends, esports