LoL: LFL and LFL Division 2 launch 2026 applications after GameWard, Gentle Mates, and IziDream departures

The French League of Legends scene is entering a turbulent offseason. Following the official departure of GameWard, the LFL announced an open call for applications to find a new organization to join the league for the 2026 season. On October 15, Sheep Esports reported the departure of Gentle Mates from the league also, meaning there would be two slots to fill in the league. Moreover, Esprit Shōnen, who recently secured promotion to LFL in the Up & Down tournament is still uncertain to move to LFL.

Indeed, their founder Ayoub "Noachu" Ait Baalla has revealed that the team may decline the promotion due to financial limitations and a desire to only enter with a project worthy of their ambitions. "I’ll only launch the project if we can truly be competitive," he said. This uncertainty could open yet another LFL slot, depending on the organization’s final decision.

Following the confirmed departure of IziDream, the LFL Division 2 has also opened an application process to select a new organization for the 2026 season. Riot Games and Webedia, the league’s co-organizers, have outlined the full procedure, mirroring the one used for the main LFL.

Teams interested in joining Division 2 must submit both a complete application file and a financial offer by October 30 at 11:59 PM (Paris time). With two open spots in LFL and another in Division 2, the French ecosystem faces one of its most significant restructuring phases in recent years