Sources: Inspired is the highest-paid player in the LCS

Jungler Kacper “Inspired” Słoma is the highest-paid player in the LCS, sources tell Sheep Esports.

After spending two years with FlyQuest in North America, Inspired drew interest from several LCS teams during the 2025–2026 offseason. These discussions involved organizations such as FlyQuest, Team Liquid, and Shopify Rebellion, although the latter did not make an offer. Ultimately, and unexpectedly for many fans, Inspired chose an offer from LYON.

While the exact figures were not disclosed by sources, Inspired’s salary is estimated to exceed $500,000 per year and could rise significantly with bonuses. No other LCS player is believed to be close to these numbers in 2026, a sharp contrast to just a few years ago, when such salaries were more common. For example, Bjergsen earned over $2 million per year with 100 Thieves in 2022, per our information.

Over the past three years, player salaries in North America have declined substantially. In 2025, the average LCS salary fell below the LEC average of €240,000 per year, according to a Sheep Esports report.

The same report states that Caps was the highest-paid player in the LEC in 2025 and will remain so in 2026, despite accepting a salary reduction. While Caps’ base salary exceeds Inspired’s, making the Danish mid laner the highest-paid player in the West, per sources, Inspired could ultimately earn more in 2026 due to the particularly high bonuses included in his contract with LYON. If the team achieves strong competitive results, his total earnings would increase accordingly.

Historically, midlaners tend to be the highest-paid players. In the LCK, Faker’s salary is estimated to range between $6 million and $8 million USD and reportedly exceeds the combined salaries of some entire rosters, according to a report by Naver.

LYON have significantly increased their budget for 2026 and are aiming to establish themselves as a strong contender in the LCS through competitive results. Inspired’s contract reportedly includes a high base salary paired with substantial performance-based bonuses, aligning his incentives with the team’s ambitions. According to the GCD, the Polish jungler has signed a two-year deal with the organization.

While financial terms may have played a role in Inspired’s move to LYON, the Head Coach told Sheep Esports that the roster itself was also a factor: "Inspired liked the aggressive players we assembled."

Following Frankie “Zamudo” Lin’s inability to obtain a visa, LYON’s projected roster for the 2026 season is as follows:

Readers can find all confirmed LCS rosters ahead of the season, which begins this Saturday, on our Transfers Hub.

Sheep Esports plans to publish another report on LEC salaries for 2026 later this year and is also aiming to produce a similar report providing a comprehensive overview of LCS salaries. Any potential sources willing to contribute are welcome to reach out to LEC Wooloo.