Rumors have surfaced about the possible end of the LPL — is China’s League of Legends pro scene really in danger?

Major changes seem to be looming over China’s LPL, potentially reshaping the entire regional esports ecosystem. According to unofficial reports, several organizations are considering leaving the league. The most notable names among them are Royal Never Give Up (RNG) and FunPlus Phoenix (FPX). It’s expected that by 2026, these two teams may withdraw from the LPL, reducing the total number of participants to 14 teams.

Insiders claim that after several disappointing seasons, some organizations no longer see the point in staying within a system where “outdated teams survive off their past glory without delivering results.” It’s believed that the LPL might undergo a major restructuring, which could mark a fresh start for the entire ecosystem.

In addition to RNG and FPX, Ultra Prime (UP) and LGD Gaming are also rumored to be considering their exit. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the ten-year franchise agreements between teams and the LPL will expire in two years, which could trigger an even larger wave of changes.

Reports also suggest that player salary caps will drop by another 30% in 2025. Mid-tier players have already expressed frustration, but some experts view this as a healthy shift — the era of easy money in the league is coming to an end, and performance will once again become the main measure of success.

In short, the Chinese League of Legends scene may be on the verge of its biggest transformation in a decade. If these rumors prove true, the new era of the LPL will feature fewer teams, smaller budgets, and fiercer competition than ever before.