Sources: BK ROG Esports very likely to be removed from the LFL

BK ROG Esports, an organization holding a permanent slot in the French ERL, the LFL, is currently under threat of losing its place in the league. While the decision has not yet been finalized and discussions are ongoing regarding a potential replacement, sources indicate that the organization is highly likely to lose its slot during the offseason.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the discussions were triggered after BK ROG recently lost one of its main partners, further weakening an already fragile financial situation and encouraging Webedia to reconsider its ability to keep them in the league.

As the situation unfolds, several solutions are being explored to preserve the participation of the team’s current roster in the LFL. One scenario under consideration would see another organization take over the slot while retaining the five players from BK ROG’s starting lineup. The roster, which includes three rookies, had signed contracts for the entire LFL season and now risks losing its place in the league despite holding no responsability in this situation. Under current market conditions, it would be difficult for most players to find a new team.

Other possibilities have also been explored. According to sources, Skillcamp and TLN Pirates, two teams that could potentially enter the LFL on an invitational basis for the remainder of the year, were offered the opportunity to acquire BK ROG’s permanent slot. However, both organizations are currently unlikely to accept such a proposal, as doing so would require them to release their existing lineups.

As a result, BK ROG’s Manager Sparky has begun searching for an organization willing to take over its roster. Potential candidates could include an LEC organization looking to establish an academy team in the LFL, or another esports structure interested in entering the French league. If no agreement is reached under those conditions, the slot could ultimately be granted to a new organization prepared to field its own roster instead.

BK ROG’s current situation follows years of delayed payments, with the first reported issues dating back to 2023, according to former collaborators who spoke with Sheep Esports on condition of anonymity.

“Could you please pay me what you owe me (four months of salary and prize money)? If it doesn’t bother you, could you also stop ignoring me?” wrote former BK ROG midlaner Šimon “OMON” Řiháček on X in February, echoing complaints raised by several other former players and staff members. Contacted by Sheep Esports, OMON confirmed he is still owed two months of payments from 2025, although some progress has been made since his tweet.

“Two deadlines have passed, and they still haven't made the payments,” the team’s former Head Coach said last month in response to the situation. Contacted by Sheep Esports, Craft1x confirmed he is still owed payments but fears that BK ROG leaving the league could prevent him from ever recovering the full amount. While delays have persisted, both he and OMON have received payments in recent months.

With BK ROG’s future in the LFL now uncertain, former members worry the organization may lose any remaining incentive to settle its debts. Meanwhile, the league’s efforts to replace the organization aim to ensure that similar financial issues will not affect the players currently competing under the BK ROG banner.

While payment issues have affected several former members of the organization, sources indicate that most players in BK ROG’s current lineup have been receiving their salaries. However, these payments have not always arrived on time, with delays still occurring in recent months. Following the recent loss of one of its main partners, those still working with the organization now face two risks: payments that may never arrive if BK ROG remains in the league, or losing their positions altogether should the team ultimately leave the competition with no organization willing to take over its roster.

Current BK ROG players were notified on Friday night about the organization’s likely exit from the league.

Last year, a similar situation occurred in the LFL Division 2, with VALIANT failing to pay its players. As the situation unfolded, Caldya Esport took over the slot and retained the entire lineup under its banner.