LCK improve the structure of esports and introduce three new systems

The Korean League League of Legends leadership announces the introduction of three new ecosystems for the LCK esports component: rookie development, agent certification, and pre-contract policy. LCK representatives had to hold a press conference in order to explain these points.

Lee Jong Hoon, acting General Secretary of the LCK, said that last year, when the franchise system was launched, the ambition was to create a virtuous cycle in the esports ecosystem and turn LCK into a sport that can be enjoyed by multiple generations. The three stated elements will help the LCK leadership to take another step towards their aspirations.

Rookie development

The rookie development clause should provide them with more playing time and the opportunity to play with professional teams so that esports players who do not have impressive experience have the opportunity to develop in the esports field. The concept of “newcomer” includes all players who have been on the professional scene for less than one year. If such players sign appropriate contracts with esports organizations, then they will have the opportunity to extend their contract for another two years.

Esports clubs that sign newbies must launch players in at least 50% of LCK Challengers games or 25% in LCK. In addition, the salary of an esports player will have to grow by at least 20% per year, and additional achievements of players should be encouraged in a special way.

It may not be easy for esports organizations to find rookies they want to sign contracts with, but if it does, then thanks to the new rookie development clause, it will be more difficult for other clubs to lure a player to themselves. This means that the cooperation between the player and the organization can be quite close.

Agent Certification

Now free agents with new innovations will be officially listed as agents and KeSPA LCK will be able to represent the interests of players in order to arrange them in any clubs and help them find work. The importance of free agents has always grown over the course of the LCK league, and now this concept is reaching a new level. In addition, the LCKs want to systematize the process in such a way that in case of violation of the rules, agents can be protected, and attackers are punished.

In order to be a certified agent, you will need to go through a licensing process. Those esportsmen who pass a documentary exam, pass an educational seminar and a qualification test will be able to pass certification. The certificate will be valid for up to two years. After two years, you will need to repeat this process to restore the license. The LCK will hold a briefing on August 3rd and registration will be open from the 5th to the 26th.

Pre-Contract Policy

The third system announced by the LCK is the pre-contract policy. The team can appoint one player before the start of the league, who, in case of unforeseen circumstances, will be able to help the team without any penalty. This esportsman will have special privileges that will allow him to move from roster to roster without incurring a penalty for the team and organization. It will have the status of the subject of the preliminary contract. The same player can receive such an appointment up to two times in a row, after which it will be necessary to change the esportsman.

After the player has the rights of the pre-contract agreement, he will be able to choose three candidate teams within six days, in which case he can go. It is noteworthy that if a player wants to go there, then the club to which he moves will have to pay a transfer fee to the team in which the e-sportsman used to stay.

LCK Summer 2022 runs from June 15 to August 28. The total prize pool of the Korean League is $287,000. All funds will be distributed among the four best teams. The winner will take home $153,000 and an invitation to the 2022 World Championship, while second, third and fourth place will each earn $76,500, $38,300 and $19,000.