Last updated: 7/23/22, 6:42 p.m. ET
We’ve put together a tracker of all the news regarding Riot Games’ partnership process for Valorant esports in 2023.
In April 2022, Riot announced its plans to turn Valorant into a “multigenerational sport in 2023 and beyond.” The most drastic proposed change is that after the conclusion of the 2022 VCT circuit, Riot plans to introduce three brand-new international leagues that will feature “premier-level week-over-week competition” between select teams that are “long-term partners” and “fully invested in creating the best fan experience possible.”
Health and safety permitting, the international leagues would feature matches played on LAN and in studios with audiences to determine which teams qualify for premier-level global tournaments such as Masters and Champions.
To sweeten the pot for organizations interested in applying for a partnership, Riot said it will forgo any participation/franchising fees and instead provide financial stipends to the selected teams in return for their investment.
Riot’s ideal partner orgs are said to be those that have a “track record of building great esports experiences, developing players and can meaningfully contribute to the long-term growth of Valorant esports.”
Per Dot Esports, Riot will decide and inform the partnered teams around Valorant Champions in September.
With over 15 big-name esports organizations and a fledgling Valorant pro scene dedicated to the title in North America at the moment, there is concern within the community as to how franchising would cut the cake in an Americas league reportedly sharing 8-12 spots with Latin America and Brazil.
Here is a list of every announcement and report regarding the process so far:
A new era of VALORANT Esports is coming in 2023. Today we want to share a preview of our vision for the future of competitive VALORANT. Watch out for more details and info later this year. https://t.co/cffyX1yo7V pic.twitter.com/Y4khgC6IU6
— VALORANT Champions Tour 🇩🇰 (@ValorantEsports) April 28, 2022
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For more on Valorant, feel free to check out our 2022 VCT coverage:
