The North American League of Legends pro players' association (LCPSA) has voted "overwhelmingly" to walk out for the remainder of the 2023 season if Riot doesn't reinstate the North American Challengers League (NACL).

"This is not a decision LCS players have come to lightly," the LCSPA wrote following last night's historic vote. "Countless discussions and debates were had between all LCS players in the week leading to this historic vote. One thing is clear from those conversations: our players want to play and compete above all else. Joining hands to put competition aside is a testament to the significance and urgency of the issues at hand."

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At issue is Riot's decision to allow North American professional teams to drop their Challengers League rosters. For those unaware, the NACL serves as League of Legends' little league, while the Championship Series (LCS) is the big league. Many professional North American players get their starts in the NACL before moving on to the LCS. Previously, teams were required to have an active NACL roster, but that requirement was dropped earlier this month after team owners petitioned Riot to do so. Owners argued successfully that current economic conditions made running NACL teams too costly.

What made matters worse is Riot's decision coming soon after assuring players that changes to the NACL wouldn't affect those players' careers. "Riot lied to us," LCSPA executive director Phil Aram told esports journalist Mikhail Klimentov. "And the outcome of that lie is that half our players’ jobs are gone overnight."

To underscore the severity of the issue and show solidarity with the fired NACL teams, the LCSPA held a historic vote last night to decide the future of professional League of Legends play.

"We stand at this impasse because actions were taken by Riot without prior communication or discussion with the LCS players. The LCSPA sincerely hopes Riot will avert this walkout by joining us in the coming days to have open and transparent discussions so that we can forge collaborative solutions to ensure the best futures for the LCS and the NACL," the players' association added.

The LCSPA is demanding Riot reinstate its requirement for team owners to run NACL teams as well as ensure minimum funding to support those teams. The LCSPA is also demanding changes to allow players to be promoted or relegated between the NACL and LCS, and for a minimum percentage of players to be retained between mid-season splits. League of Legends 2023 competitive season will begin its second split on July 18.

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