Riot Games plans to prohibit organizations from maintaining two active rosters in the VCT ecosystem starting in 2027. This information comes from Sheep Esports, citing sources familiar with the discussion of new rules.
The restriction is expected to affect partner clubs and may later extend to other organizations due to VCT's transition to a more open system. It is assumed that Riot Games aims to prevent matches between a club's main and academy rosters.
This information was indirectly confirmed earlier by NRG, which, upon parting with its academy, stated that VCT changes would limit the organization's ability to work with such rosters.
What Changes Are Being Prepared for VCT 2027
- Ban on academy rosters. A club will not be able to field two active rosters in the VCT ecosystem simultaneously.
- Exception for Game Changers. Organizations will be allowed to keep a female or mixed roster along with the main team. Game Changers rosters can participate in open qualifiers and theoretically meet their club's main roster.
- New residency rules. A team must have at least three players from its home territory, with a maximum of two foreign players. Thus, the status of an import player will be determined by one of 16 territories, not just the four main VCT regions.
- Transitional exceptions. Existing partner organization rosters will be able to temporarily retain players who do not meet the new requirements. However, after a foreign player's departure, the club will need to sign a representative from the home territory until the roster achieves the required ratio.
- Lowering the age restriction. The minimum age for participation in international competitions of the main regions is planned to be reduced from 18 to 17 years. In China, a separate restriction may remain due to local legislation.
- Minimum salaries. Minimum payment requirements will continue to apply to partner teams, with the threshold expected to remain around $50,000. The introduction of a salary cap outside of China is not being considered.
Some of the rules have already been publicly commented on by VALORANT Esports head Leo Faria. In particular, he confirmed the principle of three players from the home territory and two foreign players, as well as the transitional exception for existing partner rosters.
As an example, Faria mentioned MIBR, which currently features one Brazilian, one representative from Latin America, and three players from the USA. The team will be able to maintain its roster, but if one of the Americans leaves, they will need to replace them with a Brazilian player.
Riot Games previously presented the overall structure of VCT 2027, where open teams can qualify for regional and international tournaments. The full season regulations have not yet been published, so information about the academy ban, participant age, and salaries remains unofficially confirmed.
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