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Business
League of LegendsLeague of Legends European Championship (LEC) team Schalke 04 Esports announced this morning that they finalized the sale of their LEC license, bringing Team BDS to take Europe’s slot.
Official Statement on the Sale of the Schalke 04 Esports #LEC Slot. #S04 pic.twitter.com/DJI7ZcUxv9
— Schalke 04 Esports (@S04Esports) June 29, 2021
Schalke 04 Esports
The European League of Legends esports team shared the news on social media today. According to the team, this was an extensive and professionally managed five-month process that only recently finished. Now, one of the older LEC teams of five years departs League of Legends’ competitive scene and adds a newcomer. Luckily, the players and staff from Schalke 04 Esports will compete for the rest of this season. After that, Schalke’s players go to free agency where
In the announcement, the org cited the relegation of FC Schalke 04 and COVID-19 effects as the main reason for this deal. Maintaining a pro team in the biggest esports title requires lots of funding and Schalke 04 Esports couldn’t keep up. Thankfully, the org shared that the LEC slot’s sale amounts to €26.5 million from Team BDS. This will certainly ease the organization’s financial trouble although esports fans are disappointed in the move.
Team BDS
Beginning with the 2022 Spring Split, Team BDS joins the rest of Europe’s esports giants with a roster in the LEC. So far, the BDS is most known for its competitive Rocket League and Rainbow Six Siege esports teams. It did hold an LFL spot in the French league and according to Riot Games, will keep that team and continue playing. In regards to a relationship with Schalke 04 Esports now that there is a contract in place, there will be no other involvement regarding 2021’s LEC season. The deal takes place during the offseason where BDS will transition into the spot.
“We are thrilled to finally be able to participate in such a challenging and exciting competition,” Alexandre Lopez, Head of Strategy for Team BDS said. “This really is the next step for BDS and we hope to feature among the best in League of Legends. We are grateful towards Riot Games and FC Schalke 04 for placing their trust in our team, and we hope to continue FC Schalke 04’s work in developing esports as a discipline of its own.”
Team BDS acquires @S04Esports LEC Slot. Starting from 2022, BDS will operate as #LEC core member for an indefinite period.
Full press release: https://t.co/PBIQtNH1gq
Communiqué de presse officiel : https://t.co/ZDZUElEayp#BDSPOWER pic.twitter.com/TMjcDvYjfM— Team BDS (@TeamBDS) June 29, 2021
This 2021 LEC season will be the last year for FC Schalke 04’s esports team to operate in European League of Legends. Although the team is leaving the LEC, other esports they participate in like Prime League, FIFA & Pro Evolution Soccer will presumably continue. The org made a legacy by being one of the first soccer clubs to boast an esports team and others like Guild Esports already followed suit. Fans should stay tuned to see if Team BDS can live up to the legacy of Schalke 04 Esports in the LEC and League of Legends esports in Europe.
Written by Justin Amin
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