All 10 LCS teams reportedly want to remove the import rule

The League of Legends Championship Series import regulations have resurfaced as a major point of contention, with franchise organizations and community stakeholders expressing sharply divided perspectives.

During preparations for the 2021 competitive season, Riot Games implemented significant adjustments to import policies following the dissolution of the Oceanic Pro League. This strategic move granted OCE competitors unrestricted access to both primary and developmental leagues, injecting substantial new talent while reigniting discussions about complete removal of import restrictions.

I have now asked all 10 teams for their stance on the import rule. None voiced support for keeping it.

Responses fall into 3 camps generally:

Vague non-answer with implied support for removing it
Arguments for ‘changing’ it rather than fully removing
Desire to fully remove

— Travis Gafford (@TravisGafford)
February 19, 2021

Prominent League content creator Travis Gafford conducted comprehensive interviews with every LCS franchise about their import rule positions. His findings revealed zero organizations advocating for maintaining current restrictions, with feedback spectrum ranging from subtly implied removal support to outright demands for elimination.

The import regulation framework originated in 2014 as a response to LMQ’s unprecedented qualification through Challenger series with a fully Chinese lineup. Despite LMQ competing fairly, community pressure prompted Riot to establish residency requirements.

Since implementation, LCS rosters have been constrained to maximum two imported players, compelling franchises to cultivate domestic talent pipelines. However, North American supporters remain concerned about the region’s ability to produce players competitive with LEC, LPL, and LCK counterparts.

Many organizations currently advocate for regulation removal to enable unrestricted global recruitment. The central debate focuses on whether this would elevate league competitiveness or introduce systemic complications. Fortunately, Riot initiated corrective measures in 2021 through Academy and amateur system restructuring, potentially creating improved development pathways for emerging regional talent.

LCS competitive regulations strictly enforce that teams field minimum three players possessing North American residency status during matches. This classification includes both native United States/Canadian competitors and international players who have competed sufficiently long in the region to earn resident status.

The practical application means organizations cannot exceed two imported players simultaneously on Summoner’s Rift. Some franchises maintain larger international rosters but must always ensure at least three NA residents participate in each competitive game.

Residency acquisition represents a critical strategic consideration for teams managing imported talent. Players must complete multiple competitive splits within North American leagues to transition from import to resident classification, creating long-term roster planning challenges.

The Oceania exception created temporary flexibility, but organizations now seek permanent solutions. Understanding these mechanics is essential for analyzing the broader import rule debate and its implications for LCS global competitiveness.

Community Perspectives and Regional Identity Concerns

Opposing the organizational consensus, substantial segments of the League community and industry experts advocate preserving import restrictions. LCS commentator Isaac “Azael” Bentley emerged as a prominent voice expressing strong opposition to regulation removal through social media platforms.

Azael’s primary concern involves potential league saturation with players lacking regional connections or established presence. Unrestricted global recruitment could theoretically produce hybrid rosters featuring competitors worldwide without previous North American experience.

“The emotional experience of supporting your regional representatives could be fundamentally compromised,” Azael cautioned. “There exists significant distinction between established residents like Jensen, who developed his entire career domestically, versus assembling rosters with unknown Korean or Chinese challenger competitors.”

The ultimate resolution remains uncertain, with no guarantee that Riot will formally address the ongoing controversy publicly.

I am very against the removal of import rules.

I worry you end up with a League full of players to whom you have no connection – players who have not spent time to earn residency & establish themselves in the league.

You can lose the feeling of cheering for the “home team”.

— Isaac CB (@RiotAzael)
February 19, 2021

Current Import Limitations and Roster Regulations

Under existing frameworks, LCS franchises maintain maximum two imported players during competitive play. Organizations frequently roster additional international talent but must strategically manage starting lineups to comply with three-resident minimum requirements.

The delicate balance between global talent acquisition and regional identity preservation represents the core tension in this ongoing debate. As the LCS continues evolving, the import rule discussion will likely persist as a defining characteristic of North American League of Legends esports.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » All 10 LCS teams reportedly want to remove the import rule Understanding the LCS import rule debate: teams want change while fans defend regional identity