LEC confirms major format changes for 2026

The LEC, League of Legends’ tier-one league for the EMEA region, has introduced a revised competitive structure in 2026.

A new tournament will open the year, followed by aligned formats for LEC Spring and Summer 2026. 

The new first-quarter event — LEC Versus — replaces the former Winter Split and includes all 10 LEC partners plus two invited teams from the EMEA Regional Leagues.

Sheep Esports had previously reported on the new event before the official release, and at the time fans’ reaction was divided. Some welcomed additional opportunities for regional teams, while others questioned how franchise owners would respond to competing with non-franchised sides that have not paid for a spot in the league.

In its latest announcement, the LEC stated: “Expect fan-favourite formats, high-impact competition, and new storylines filled with energy, passion, and moments that will have you glued to the edge of your seat.”

LEC Versus will replace the Winter Split and feature 12 teams in a Single Round Robin with best-of-one matches. The top eight advance into a double-elimination playoff bracket. BO3 will be used early in the playoffs, with BO5 for the later rounds.

Regarding the two new teams, one invitation will be given to the 2025 EMEA Masters Summer Champion, while the second goes to a team selected for ‘consistent, standout performance across the 2025 competitive season’. The exact evaluation criteria for that assessment have not yet been revealed.

“These aren’t LEC spots, but special invitations earned through competitive excellence within the ERL ecosystem,” Riot said.

Furthermore, Riot Games has not yet confirmed if there are restrictions on which EMEA teams may be selected. This currently suggests that academy teams could be invited.

Riot Games has also noted some offseason limitations that have been put in place for the two invited teams. Overall, three out of five players from the original European Masters roster need to remain for LEC Versus. Possible exceptions can occur, but that is based on the LEC’s discretion.

The winner of LEC Versus will earn an EMEA slot for the First Stand international event. A spot in the LEC for Spring and Summer will not be on the line.

LEC partner teams — like G2, Fnatic, Karmine Corp — hold permanent slots in the league and participate in Riot’s revenue share structure. This structure pools income from sponsorships, media rights and in-arena revenue to support long-term financial stability within the franchise system.

ERL teams invited into LEC Versus will not be part of that arrangement, and therefore do not benefit from this structure. Instead, these teams will be paid a participation stipend, which is likely intended to offset operational costs such as travel, accommodation and temporary support staff for the tournament.

After a year with three different formats for three Splits, in 2026, both Spring and Summer will follow the same structure with best-of-three matches in the Single Round Robin and best-of-five playoffs for the top six. Both splits will only feature the 10 partnered franchise organisations.

Qualification paths remain unchanged, with Spring qualifying two teams for MSI and Summer three or more for Worlds.

“Delivering a consistent format and predictable schedule for both the Spring and Summer Splits will enable more LEC Roadtrips and bring fans more competition”, Riot added.

With the format reset and possibly new teams representing the LEC at internationals, fans will now wait to see whether the revamped schedule provides more competitive depth and clearer storylines or whether concerns around non-franchised participation resurface as the season approaches.