LEC confirms major format changes for 2026

The LEC, League of Legends’ tier-one league for the EMEA area, has launched a revised aggressive construction in 2026.

A brand new match will open the yr, adopted by aligned codecs for LEC Spring and Summer time 2026. 

The brand new first-quarter occasion — LEC Versus — replaces the previous Winter Cut up and contains all 10 LEC companions plus two invited groups from the EMEA Regional Leagues.

Sheep Esports had beforehand reported on the brand new occasion earlier than the official launch, and on the time followers’ response was divided. Some welcomed extra alternatives for regional groups, whereas others questioned how franchise house owners would reply to competing with non-franchised sides that haven’t paid for a spot within the league.

In its newest announcement, the LEC said: “Anticipate fan-favourite codecs, high-impact competitors, and new storylines stuffed with power, ardour, and moments that can have you ever glued to the sting of your seat.”

LEC Versus will exchange the Winter Cut up and have 12 groups in a Single Spherical Robin with best-of-one matches. The highest eight advance right into a double-elimination playoff bracket. BO3 can be used early within the playoffs, with BO5 for the later rounds.

Relating to the 2 new groups, one invitation can be given to the 2025 EMEA Masters Summer time Champion, whereas the second goes to a group chosen for ‘constant, standout efficiency throughout the 2025 aggressive season’. The precise analysis standards for that evaluation haven’t but been revealed.

“These aren’t LEC spots, however particular invites earned by aggressive excellence throughout the ERL ecosystem,” Riot mentioned.

Moreover, Riot Video games has not but confirmed if there are restrictions on which EMEA groups could also be chosen. This at present means that academy groups might be invited.

Riot Video games has additionally famous some offseason limitations which have been put in place for the 2 invited groups. Total, three out of 5 gamers from the unique European Masters roster want to stay for LEC Versus. Attainable exceptions can happen, however that’s based mostly on the LEC’s discretion.

The winner of LEC Versus will earn an EMEA slot for the First Stand worldwide occasion. A spot within the LEC for Spring and Summer time won’t be on the road.

LEC companion groups — like G2, Fnatic, Karmine Corp — maintain everlasting slots within the league and take part in Riot’s income share construction. This construction swimming pools revenue from sponsorships, media rights and in-arena income to assist long-term monetary stability throughout the franchise system.

ERL groups invited into LEC Versus won’t be a part of that association, and subsequently don’t profit from this construction. As an alternative, these groups can be paid a participation stipend, which is probably going meant to offset operational prices comparable to journey, lodging and short-term assist workers for the match.

After a yr with three completely different codecs for 3 Splits, in 2026, each Spring and Summer time will comply with the identical construction with best-of-three matches within the Single Spherical Robin and best-of-five playoffs for the highest six. Each splits will solely function the ten partnered franchise organisations.

Qualification paths stay unchanged, with Spring qualifying two groups for MSI and Summer time three or extra for Worlds.

“Delivering a constant format and predictable schedule for each the Spring and Summer time Splits will allow extra LEC Roadtrips and convey followers extra competitors”, Riot added.

With the format reset and presumably new groups representing the LEC at internationals, followers will now wait to see whether or not the revamped schedule supplies extra aggressive depth and clearer storylines or whether or not considerations round non-franchised participation resurface because the season approaches.