Riot Extends Application Deadline For "League Of Legends" Teams

Riot Games has extended the deadline for applicants seeking a permanent franchise in its top tier "League of Legends" circuit by two weeks to July 28. The original deadline was July 14. Riot did not explain its decision, but numerous esports sources said that the original six-week window to submit an application and raise the $10M franchise fee (plus a one-time $3M fee for newcomers) was putting bidders under extraordinary pressure.

Sources report massive demand for one of the permanent spots in the reformatted league, which will launch in '18 with team and player revenue sharing, and without relegation except in extraordinary circumstances. Riot still expects to announce its franchise winners in November.