NRG and Immortals rumored to leave LCS in 2025
Rumors are circulating that NRG and Immortals will be leaving the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) in 2025, according to esports journalist Travis Gafford. While official statements from Riot Games, NRG, or Immortals have yet to be made, Gafford reported that multiple sources confirmed this unexpected move, which comes amidst a broader restructuring of the LCS.
NRG's Abrupt Exit, Post-CLG Acquisition
The departure of NRG is particularly surprising given the team’s acquisition of CLG just a short time ago. Despite a challenging 2024 season, NRG had a strong performance at Worlds 2023, and many believed they were positioned for long-term success. As Gafford put it:
“It’s crazy that NRG bought CLG and then immediately left the league.”
This quick exit makes NRG’s departure one of the swiftest in LCS history, leaving fans of both NRG and the former CLG roster undoubtedly disappointed.
NRG acquired the former CLG squad on April 7th, 2023 (credits: Riot Games)Immortals' Long-Expected Departure
While NRG’s exit was unforeseen, Immortals’ departure comes as less of a shock. The team has struggled to find success in recent years, and rumors of their departure have been circulating for some time. These exits align with Riot Games' recently announced plans to merge the LCS, LLA (Latin America), and CBLOL (Brazil) into a new two-conference region in 2025. The North will consist of the following teams, should NRG and Immortals confirm their absence:
- Cloud9
- Team Liquid
- FlyQuest
- 100 Thieves
- Shopify Rebellion
- Dignitas
- ‘Unannounced LLA Team’
- ‘Unannounced Guest Team’
The new approach to LoL esports: the regionalization of minor leagues to improve audience appeal (credits: Riot Games)This restructuring aims to create a more competitive environment by integrating teams from across the Americas. Teams from the Northern and Southern conferences will face off in regular season play before advancing to cross-conference playoffs to crown an American champion.
Impact on players and staff
As NRG and Immortals prepare to leave, their staff and players are likely facing uncertainty about their futures. Gafford emphasized the personal toll these decisions take, as job opportunities in the esports industry have become harder to secure. He urged fans to consider the real people affected behind the scenes, as layoffs in the industry continue to increase.
The departures of NRG and Immortals signal a significant shift for the LCS, and Riot’s new two-conference system will reshape the landscape of competitive League of Legends in the Americas. While more details are expected to emerge after Worlds 2024, the coming changes mark the beginning of a new chapter for the LCS, LLA, and CBLOL, with new teams, players, and structures set to define the future of the league.
Stay tuned for to Strafe, our Social Media and our Youtube channel for more updates as Riot Games continues to unveil its plans for the 2025 season.
Feature image credits: Riot Games
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