Player salaries in the LEC have always been a topic of speculation. Still, thanks to data compiled by Sheep Esports across several months in 2024, we now have the clearest picture yet of how much Europe’s teams have been spending in Summer 2024 and Winter 2025.

Among all LEC teams, G2 Esports is the highest-paying organization in both Summer 2024 and Winter 2025. Despite the overall ecosystem decreasing in average salaries, the Samurais remain the best-paying organization in the league.

Who spends the most in LEC?

The financial hierarchy between LEC organizations is clear. The average annual team budget in the league is approximately €1.2 million. The top three spenders—G2, Fnatic, and Movistar KOI—dominate this spending, accounting for nearly 45% of all money poured into active players. Here’s how the teams stack up:

After these three, Team Vitality and Rogue sit nearly equal in fifth place, with their spending so close that minor estimation differences make it hard to separate them. Teams like Team Heretics and SK Gaming, on the other hand, have scaled back noticeably. Interestingly, Karmine Corp, which entered the league with one of the lowest payrolls in 2024, has already climbed into seventh place.

Despite an overall 11% decrease in average LEC player salaries since 2024, G2 Esports remains the benchmark for top-tier compensation, reinforcing the competitive and financial dynamics shaping EMEA's biggest league.