Chinese League of Legends Restructures Ahead of 2026 Season as Iconic Club Sheds Legacy

An important shift is underway in the League of Legends Professional League as changes are set for the upcoming 2026 season. The Chinese region will see a notable transformation as a well-known club will no longer display its familiar insignia or wear its trademark jersey.

Riot Games announced that the veteran club has exited the league after the company repurchased the team's slot. This development is part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at enhancing future competitive standards within the league.

An update on one of China's most renowned social networking platforms platform detailed the changes, noting that the move is not intended to transfer the slot to another organization. Instead, it continues the gradual reduction of teams—a process that began in 2024 when Rare Atom's slot was taken back, trimming the league from 17 to 16 teams.

Additional speculation revolves around the number of teams that will compete in 2026. There are indications from reliable sources that another prominent club may also have its slot repurchased. Should this occur, the league could potentially operate with only 14 teams next season.

This development is significant given that the departed The club has served as a crucial pillar in the league since joining in the 2018 season, experiencing "various levels of achievement throughout the years".