LPL Set to Shrink to 14 Teams for 2026

China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is undergoing a significant structural contraction, reducing its roster from 16 to 14 teams for the 2026 season. This consolidation follows the confirmed departure of FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) and the anticipated absence of Royal Never Give Up (RNG) from the upcoming competitive cycle. The league operator, TJ Sports, has already finalized the repurchase of the franchise slot previously held by FPX, which officially ceased participation in all LPL-related competitions on January 1, 2026.

The reduction in team count highlights ongoing instability within the league’s ecosystem, particularly regarding the financial health of long-standing organizations. RNG, a historically prominent brand with multiple league titles and international championships, faces severe legal and fiscal pressures. In June 2025, a Shanghai court ordered the organization and its founder to pay ¥162 million ($22.5 million) in damages, though industry insiders suggest that total outstanding claims against the organization could reach as high as ¥1 billion ($140 million).

This shift marks a notable decline for two organizations that were central to the league’s competitive landscape as recently as the 2021 Spring Split Final. While the departure of FPX is formally documented through the league’s franchise buyback process, the status of RNG remains unconfirmed by official league communications. The contraction reflects broader economic challenges facing professional esports organizations in China, as teams struggle to maintain the commercial viability required to sustain participation in the franchised era of the LPL.