LoL – Team BDS acquire Schalke 04 Esports’ LEC spot

After months of speculation, we now know who will take over from Schalke 04 Esports in the League of Legends European Championship (LEC). The German organization, who are going through financial struggles, has sold their spot in the franchise to Team BDS. The Swiss Esports org broke the news on Twitter, with Manchester City having been linked with the spot just last week.

The purchase by Team BDS is understood to have spanned over five months, with the two parties having only signed on the dotted line this week. The announcement signals the end of Schalke 04 Esports’ five year spell in the LEC, although the team will still compete with their current roster for the remainder of the current season. Players will then become free agents.

Why Schalke 04 Esports sold their LEC spot

Schalke 04 Esports were under pressure due to the relegation of FC Schalke 04 to the German second tier, while the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has also hit the organization hard. It is understood that the German’s sold their spot in the LEC for €26.5 million, which is slightly less than the €30 million they had been hoping for.

When will we see Team BDS in the LEC?

Team BDS will enter the LEC for the 2022 Spring Split, with the org being better known for its Rocket League and Rainbow Six Siege teams at present. In terms of League of Legends, Team BDS competed in the LFL, with reports suggesting that this team will remain intact. Speaking on the announcement, Team BDS Head of Strategy, Alexandre Lopez, stated that:

“We are thrilled to finally be able to participate in such a challenging and exciting competition. This really is the next step for BDS and we hope to feature among the best in League of Legends. We are grateful towards Riot Games and FC Schalke 04 for placing their trust in our team, and we hope to continue FC Schalke 04’s work in developing esports as a discipline of its own.”

It is not yet clear as to what the future of Schalke 04 Esports holds in terms of FIFA, Pro Evolution Soccer and Prime League, although indications suggest that such teams will continue competing. It remains to be seen as to how successful Team BDS will be in the LEC