LCS Summer Split Under Threat as Players Vote for Walkout
The 2023 LCS Summer Split may be in jeopardy as North American League of Legends players, represented by the LCS Players Association (LCSPA), have voted overwhelmingly in favor of staging a walkout. This comes in response to Riot Games’ decision to remove the obligation for organizations to field NACL rosters.
LCSPA Confirms Walkout Vote
The LCSPA announced on May 28 that the walkout vote had been successfully passed, a week after the association initially raised its concerns regarding the major League region. The association emphasized the magnitude and urgency of the issues in the NA league.
Failure to Communicate and Return to the Table
The LCSPA pointed out Riot’s failure to communicate decisions with LCS players before officially announcing them as one of their key grievances. The association called for league officials to engage in further discussions and negotiations.
No Confirmation on Strike Date
The LCSPA has not confirmed the specific date for the walkout, but it is widely speculated that it will occur on the opening day of the LCS 2023 Summer season, which is set to begin on June 1.
All 10 NA League teams are scheduled to play on the first match day, including a rematch between Cloud9 and Golden Guardians. NRG will also be making their return to the LCS on this day.
Riot Games has yet to respond to the LCSPA’s statement as of press time.
Before the vote took place, the LCSPA presented five requests to Riot officials that they hoped would be addressed. These requests included implementing a VALORANT-style relegation and promotion system between the LCS and NACL, providing incentives for participating teams, and creating a $300,000 USD revenue pool for each NACL team to be used for salaries.
Other requests included minimum contracts for championship players and a rule that would give priority to three out of five players from dropped NACL rosters, provided they continue playing together.
Riot initially removed the requirement for LCS teams to field mandatory NACL rosters on May 12, during the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational. Only Team Liquid, Evil Geniuses, and FlyQuest opted to retain their NACL lineups, while the other teams withdrew from the academy program.
Fans of the League expressed their support and pride following the LCSPA’s decision to stage a walkout.
LCS Summer Split, walkout, North American League of Legends players, LCS Players Association, Riot Games, NACL rosters, strike action