LPL 2023: New Logo, Partners, and NIP Enters the Fray

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) initiated its 2023 season with significant organizational and branding updates, marking a decade of operations in China. The league operator, TJ Sports, introduced a commemorative logo featuring the number ten to celebrate the league’s anniversary. Alongside this visual refresh, the LPL confirmed a roster of 14 corporate partners, including Mercedes-Benz as the chief partner and various strategic and official sponsors such as Li-Ning, Jing Dong, Momchilovtsi, Exxon Mobil, and Intel.

A notable shift in the league’s commercial landscape involves the departure of long-term sponsor KFC, which did not renew its partnership following the conclusion of its agreement. Furthermore, the league’s apparel sponsorship underwent a transition as Li-Ning replaced Nike, ending the latter's four-year exclusive tenure. These changes reflect a broader recalibration of the league's commercial portfolio as it enters its second decade.

The 2023 season also saw a structural change in team participation with the official entry of Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) into the LPL. This development follows the merger between the Sweden-based organization and the Chinese esports entity ESV5, resulting in the rebranding of the team previously known as Victory Five. These updates collectively highlight the ongoing evolution of the LPL’s brand identity, commercial partnerships, and competitive structure within the Chinese esports market.