Leo Faria, head of VALORANT’s esports division, explained in a Youtube video how the new partner league business works and how the economics of the league are coming together in these three VCT leagues, EMEA, Americas and Pacific, whose rosters are already known for 2023 and include one notable absence, G2 Esports, sanctioned for the Ocelote/Andrew Tate case.
In addition to in-game revenue contributions from the sale of licensed goodies, clubs will be able to receive a one-time stipend corresponding to their participation in VCT, and other payments that have already been agreed upon in previous partnerships. According to Faria, Riot Games guarantees participants a minimum income but did not disclose the amount. For insiders, it would be around $600,000 minimum, and up to $400,000 more depending on performance.
The organizer is also committed to paying for the teams’ travel to the championship venues (Berlin for Europe, LA for the NA and Seoul for Asia). Concerning the branded content that will be sold by the teams, we note for example the VCT LOCK/IN pack already announced during a livestream. An important part of these revenues will go to the teams. In short, “I think the teams can thrive in this new partner league,” says the esport chief.