The 2024 transfer window of LPL ends with a significant number of unemployed players
Currently, the largest region in the League of Legends scene, LPL, has concluded its 2024 offseason transfer window. This can be described as a tumultuous year for the League of Legends scene in China. However, many changes are expected in the future. Unfortunately, negative signs have appeared, causing concern within the League of Legends community in this populous nation.
Accordingly, as many as 14 players have found themselves unemployed after the conclusion of the 2024 offseason transfer window. If we consider one team has 5 players, then only one more would equal three professional League of Legends teams. Among these players are names familiar to the global League of Legends audience, such as Leyan, Qingtian, Xiaolaohu, YSKM, and Wayward… These are players at a decent level who are currently not being recruited by any team.
According to information from LPL, the cause stems from these players being in the middle tier. They are not skilled enough to be recruited by major teams, yet their salary demands are high enough that smaller or less prestigious teams can afford to pay. For teams with historically low performance, promoting players from the youth team is often more feasible, especially when results are no longer a priority.
Is the LPL Really on the Brink of Collapse?
Clearly, in the 2024 offseason transfer window, many teams have shown a tendency to invest in a “last dance” manner. For instance, Invictus Gaming, after a long period of struggling, is determined to create a “super team,” while JD Gaming has almost entirely disbanded its lineup to rebuild with superstars.
Additionally, some teams have officially disbanded, such as Rare Atom. In fact, many LPL teams have also dissolved their youth teams competing in the LDL at the first opportunity. Beyond the indefinite postponement of the LDL due to match-fixing, it can be understood that current LPL teams are not prioritizing long-term issues; instead, immediate results are the decisive factor.
Therefore, whether the LPL collapses or not depends on their performance in 2025. If they can reclaim their championship title, everything may return to the right track. Conversely, a darker future may await the League of Legends scene in China.