Nemesis took aim at Riot Games and the LEC franchising model in recent public comments. The former Fnatic mid laner and current Los Ratones member said Riot is “on a massive clock” to make structural changes to the league.
The criticism centers on teams that permanently occupy the bottom of the standings while making what Nemesis called “random and incomprehensible decisions.” He argued Riot has been “too slow” to address the problem and that the current system doesn’t create a “hype product to watch.”
His comments point to a growing tension in League of Legends esports. The LEC switched to a franchised partner system years ago where teams hold long-term participation rights without facing relegation. No promotion or demotion happens based on competitive results.
Riot pitched franchising as a way to stabilize the league and encourage team investment. Teams paid significant buy-ins for guaranteed spots. The trade-off was removing the traditional European sports model where bottom teams get relegated and top regional squads move up.
The problem Nemesis identifies is simple. When teams can’t drop out no matter how badly they perform, some stop trying as hard. They field budget rosters and make questionable management calls because their slot is safe. Fans have nobody new to root for and matches lose stakes.
This isn’t just random streamer complaining. Nemesis competed at the highest level and understands the ecosystem from inside. His voice carries weight with players and viewers who’ve watched LEC’s viewership struggles compared to peak years.
The franchising debate has intensified as esports economics shift. What looked sustainable during the investment boom now faces harder questions. Critics point to Riot’s own Valorant Champions Tour as proof a better model exists. VCT runs a partnered league but includes Ascension tournaments where tier-two teams can earn promotion spots.
Whether Riot can actually change course remains unclear. Franchising contracts lock teams in for years and undoing the system could trigger legal and financial chaos. But voices like Nemesis suggest patience is running out.
