Sheep Esports has shared official information regarding Riot Games' plans for the next phase of the EMEA regional leagues, revealing changes that will take effect in 2025. The company is reviewing its strategy to make the ecosystem more sustainable and flexible.

In recent years, regional leagues have faced several challenges, including declining viewer interest and high team turnover. In response, Riot Games plans to implement a range of changes aimed at optimizing formats, reducing costs for organizers, and increasing opportunities for content creators.

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Key Changes:

• League formats will become more flexible: Organizers will be able to adjust tournament structures within the standard split system.
• Co-streaming will now be allowed for all matches, and the option for first-person view broadcasts will be introduced.
• Lower broadcasting requirements: Organizers will no longer be required to stream every game and can choose between studio and remote formats.
• Player imports: Teams will be allowed to choose between two or three imports instead of the mandatory three.
• The second division will no longer be mandatory, which may impact the development of young talent.
• Third-party tournaments: Teams and players will have more freedom to participate in third-party tournaments.
• The relegation system will remain: At least one promotion and relegation tournament per year will still be required.
• Additionally, Riot Games is removing the requirement for mandatory live events and the need for substitute players. Teams will now be able to sign emergency replacements during tournaments.

Why This Matters:

These changes are aimed at reducing the financial burden on organizers and improving the conditions for popularizing the leagues. Inspired by the success of co-streaming in the LEC and at Worlds 2024, Riot Games is focusing on content creators to increase the audience.

However, the cancellation of the mandatory second division and the reduction in official broadcasts raises concerns. This could limit opportunities for young players and aspiring casters, which may slow the growth of the regional scene in the long run.

What’s Next?

Riot Games aims to adapt the ecosystem to modern realities and attract new audiences. Whether the company can strike a balance between cost-cutting and maintaining high competition levels will be seen with the start of the new season.