Riot Games Partners Must Drop Other Squads Next Season

According to insider George Geddes, the teams selected to partner with tournament operator and developer Riot Games for international leagues next year will most likely not be able to maintain youth squads for the TIER-2 championships.

More information was sent to teams recently to inform them of the existing ban as they could end up playing against the main roster if they qualify through the Challengers and Ascension tournament series. However, the information is subject to change.

However, according to sources, the current limit on the number of players in a single team's roster could be extended, with partners able to add a few extra substitutions as a compromise. This will allow organizations to sign a few additional players if necessary for the depth of the roster.

Interestingly, the players' association has made an effort to allow organizations to sponsor rosters in Challengers and Ascension tournaments without the teams being directly owned, controlled and operated by the organization, according to several sources familiar with the discussions.

Recall that a little earlier, Riot Games presented the details of the TIER-2 scene for VALORANT for 2023, including new championships and details of promoting teams to the TIER-1 level. And if this information does not directly affect future partners, their possible academies had a chance to advance in level.

As part of VALORANT Challengers, teams that did not qualify for the affiliate program will compete. In addition, teams that start in Challengers will have access to international leagues and eventually even global tournaments.

According to the same George Geddes, the next competitive season of the VALORANT Champions Tour will begin in February 2023. Several organizations in different regions completed their interviews with Riot Games for the affiliate program next year. The location of the European league should be Berlin. The American League is expected to be hosted in Los Angeles and the Asian League is expected to be hosted in Seoul.