Esports organization Immortals bemoaned Riot Games’ decision to exclude them from the new North American League of Legends Championship Series, but promises the organization will continue growing. “I’m as disappointed as I’m sure all of you are, and to be frank, I don’t fully understand or agree with the reasons behind that decision,” Immortals CEO Noah Whinston said in a video to fans. Riot declined to address individual decisions. Immortals was one of four current NA LCS teams to not be invited back, instead being replaced in the new league by OpTic Gaming and new teams developed by the NBA’s Warriors, Cavaliers and Rockets and their owners. Only Immortals spoke after the Riot announcements. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment-owned Team Dignitas, Team EnVyUs and Phoenix1 did not comment. The loss of a team in League of Legends, by far the most popular esports title worldwide, is a major blow to the organizations, and their ability to keep diversifying into other games and side businesses will be crucial. Immortals and Envy both field teams in Activision Blizzard’s upcoming Overwatch League. Whinston said Immortals will look for new opportunities in other titles, and also build out tech platforms, an event business and content related to its teams. Immortals also runs teams in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, DOTA 2 and Super Smash Bros. AEG invested in Immortals in June, before the Riot selection process was underway, joining Grizzlies co-Exec Chair Steve Kaplan, Lionsgate and others. Steven Cohen, AEG's Chief Strategic Officer and Immortals board member, issued a statement yesterday that stated the “management team, the board of directors and our investors are in complete alignment with respect to the business plan and vision for Immortals, its role in esports and the prospects of esports generally going forward.”
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