Splyce, exceL To Replace Movistar, North as EU LCS Partners
By Zac Cameron ·
It seems the EU LCS is still struggling to finalize the franchising slots, with an ESPN report stating that both Movistar Riders and North will not be making the cut after all.
Despite earlier reports that painted a picture of the EU LCS Franchising spots being finalized, a new report from ESPN has indicated that a last-minute shake-up is underway, with both Movistar Riders and North both failing to reach an agreement with Riot Games. With the negotiations apparently falling through at the last minute, Riot Games will now reportedly turn to alternate organizations to make up the numbers, with Splyce and exceL apparently both getting the nod.
Splyce has already been a part of the EU LCS since early 2016, however did not initially make the grade when Riot Games began to negotiate for franchising slots. A North American esports organization, Splyce gave no reason for their initial refusal into the upcoming League and allowed their existing players the opportunity to explore other options in the wake of the decision. Now, Splyce must work to retain their current players, or find new ones, if they wish to field a team.
exceL will be making their first foray into the world of professional League of Legends if this report is accurate, with the organization mostly competing in amateur and high-level amateur tournaments across Europe. The inclusion of exceL does create a new problem however, with parent company Guinevere Capital already owning a professional League of Legends team in the Dire Wolves, competing in the Oceanic Pro League. Regardless of the difference in regions, Riot Games has steadfastly refused to allow organizations to run multiple teams across their pro scene, despite both Team Liquid and the Golden State Warriors still resolving their ownership issues. Whether or not exceL will also be granted a grace period remains to be seen.