Schalke 04 Confirm They're In Talks To Sell $36 Million LEC Slot
Schalke 04 has started off the League of Legends European Championships 2021 season in a much better fashion than their previous season, of which the side struggled to adapt to the outside conditions surrounding the world and failed to make the top four in either of the splits.
After earning a bronze medal in the LEC Regional Finals back in 2019, their 2020 form was rather concerning, and clearly had an impact on the financial status of the organisation that also heavily relied upon the results of their parent football club.
Although Shalke posted up a fourth-place finish at the Spring Split, the org has been rumoured to be shopping their LEC slot, with the football club facing relegation from the Bundesliga and a lack of ticket sales leaving a huge dent in the finances of the club.
Now, Schalke representatives have confirmed that they are in talks to sell the $36 million LEC slot.
Schalke representatives confirm LEC selling
According to reports from TEO, Schalke 04 Esports Managing Director Tim Reichert confirmed that the organization is "in discussions with an undisclosed party or parties but, 'there is no final decision yet.'"
Reichert also added that the organisation will have an update within two weeks.
FC Schalke 04 Media Relations Manager Sascha Marx also said: “We have always said, that selling parts of our esports business would be a way to generate income. We will inform the public when such a sale has taken place."
What will happen to the Schalke 04 Roster?
The likelihood is that Schalke 04's LEC slot will not see them leave the title with immediate effect, should the sale also be approved by Riot Games. The most likely outcome is that the org will remain in the LEC until the end of the season, with the roster continuing to try and qualify for Worlds.
Should a new organisation enter the scene, they will then have the opportunity to keep the roster together, or shop for their own targets in the off-season, rendering the likes of Sergen "Broken Blade" Çelik teamless.
No word has yet been spilt as to who will be purchasing the LEC spot, and whether or not the unnamed party intends to keep the roster intact.
Image via Riot Games