TL;DR
- Griffin becomes the only LCK/Challengers Korea team to skip franchise application
- Team faced multiple scandals including coach abuse allegations and management exodus
- T1 and Gen.G emerge as strongest franchise candidates with global presence
- American organizations NRG Esports and Faze Clan failed to complete applications
- LCK franchise system shifts focus toward sustainable, globally accessible organizations
A prominent LCK organization missed the critical submission deadline for the league’s new franchising model, effectively ending their participation in the 2021 competitive season.
Griffin’s journey in professional League of Legends appears to have reached its conclusion. Following extensive organizational turmoil and relegation to Challengers Korea, the team’s competitive legacy is drawing to a close. Griffin stands as the solitary organization from both the primary league and its developmental circuit to abstain from franchise application submission.
The decision aligns with Griffin’s prolonged organizational struggles. Before the 2019 World Championship, the team severed ties with head coach Kim “cvMax” Dae-ho. Multiple allegations of misconduct emerged against cvMax soon after, prompting an official inquiry by Riot Games Korea. Although found culpable, cvMax received no sanctions and subsequently joined DragonX.
Following underwhelming results during the 2020 LCK Spring Split, Griffin faced demotion to Challengers Korea. The organization released its complete player lineup and coaching personnel, followed by numerous management team departures. Griffin appeared unable to overcome the organizational crisis, marking the final chapter for the brand that transformed LCK dynamics in 2018.
Who is applying for a franchise spot in the 2021 LCK season?
Every competing organization within the LCK and Challengers Korea submitted franchise applications, with Griffin representing the sole exception. Additional international entities likely pursued franchise opportunities. Despite initial expressions of interest, North American organizations NRG Esports and Faze Clan failed to finalize their application packages.
The specific franchise selections won’t be publicly announced until later this year, though certain organizations possess near-certain admission prospects.
T1 and Gen.G represent two of the most accomplished and reputable organizations in professional League of Legends. These franchises maintain operational presence across multiple regions including South Korea and North America. T1 and Gen.G rank among the few Asian organizations creating English-subtitled content, enabling global fan accessibility. Their iconic status within the LCK ecosystem, combined with strong brand recognition that appeals to potential investors, makes their franchise inclusion virtually guaranteed.
The transition to franchise models represents a strategic evolution for the LCK, prioritizing organizational stability and long-term growth over traditional promotion/relegation systems. This shift benefits teams with established infrastructure and global marketing capabilities.
Franchise selection committees typically evaluate applicants across multiple dimensions: financial stability, organizational structure, competitive history, fan engagement metrics, and regional representation balance. Organizations demonstrating sustainable business models and international appeal receive preferential consideration.
For aspiring professional players, understanding these organizational dynamics becomes increasingly important. The Class Guide provides insights into role specialization that can enhance player marketability during roster construction periods.
The absence of Griffin creates opportunities for new organizations to establish LCK presence while highlighting the challenges facing teams navigating organizational transitions. Successful franchise applicants typically demonstrate robust Complete Guide to organizational management and player development systems.
Action Checklist
- Monitor official LCK announcements for franchise selection results
- Research applicant organizations’ financial stability and management structure
- Analyze team content localization strategies for global market penetration
- Review Weapons Unlock strategies to understand progression systems in competitive games
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Griffin gives up on LCK, won’t apply for franchise in 2021 season Analyzing Griffin's LCK franchise exit and the 2021 season team applications landscape