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Fixing the LCS

ZDrahgonz·11/16/2016, 7:00:21 PM·1 votes·1,024 views

There has been a lot of talk on whether or not Riot should move to a franchising or continue with the relegation type style of LCS. I am in agreement with the franchising module. I think if Riot were to allow each team to have a permanent spot in the LCS, there is potential for there to be more than 10 teams in the future. However as fans we want even the lower tier matches to have an incentive to win and right now that incentive is to not get demoted. Riot needs to find another incentive for lower tier teams to still try there best to win, which could be cash prizes based on team standings.

Now with the Scouting Grounds in place for NA, I think Riot could turn this into a draft style combine. For 1 week players attending the Scouting Grounds will be able to show off their skills and game knowledge. There is no certainty that these players will be signed, however if a draft is in place, each LCS team will get 1 draft pick, the lowest ranked team with the highest draft pick and the highest ranked team will get the lowest draft pick. In league of legends there are 2 splits however for this draft it can occur before the new season begins however it is based on both the spring and summer split. Therefore the draft will be based on the worst rated team throughout the year.

Now after the players have been drafted into their respective teams, they may not get playing time on the lcs team. With this problem, the best answer is for every lcs team have a minor league team. This will change the Challenger Series forever. Right now the Challenger Series is in a huge mess, no sponsors, no certainty to make it into the lcs. If we change the Challenger Series into a minor league, then teams will get sponsors from their pro team, fans will be more inclined to watch because theses are the potential players for the pro team and the minor league players will have a chance to get a spot on a pro team if the player; retires, become a free agent or the pro player has been under performing.

I personally believe this is the best way to help team owners, pro players, challenger ladder players, sponsors and Riot themselves. Comment on your thoughts too!

7 Comments

Ale non è male11/16/2016, 9:42:24 PM1 votes

Not in EU. Do whatever you want in NA

YambrinZ11/17/2016, 12:33:34 AM1 votes

Its not as easy as many would make it out to be. There is one major issue that everyone seems to ignore when arguing about franchise/relegation. LoL may not exist as a popular game in 2 years from now or 5 years or 10 years. The next big game will come along and the masses will slowly move over to the new kid on the block.

Pippen The Short12/1/2016, 6:51:03 PM1 votes

A "minor league" system is definitely needed for the LCS to actually become more stable, not only in talent but in turnover and competition as well.

That being said, I don't see how it's not possible to create a system that both creates franchises but still employs relegation somehow. Because you could have temporary franchise opportunities (3 or 5 year deals) instead of the consistent permanent franchise positions. Or, much like what you're suggesting, with an established minor league system franchises could be permanent but still be relegated from the LCS to the CS. But expand the CS to a 2 tier Minor League (Masters and Challenger tiers). Then offer up 32 or even 48 permanent franchises but then between the LCS and 2 tier minor league system have 64 spots available (16 LCS, 16 CS, 32 MS).