RNG and FunPlus Phoenix LPL Exits Reported Amid Main 2026 Shake-Up

In keeping with rumours circulating on-line, long-time LPL stalwarts Royal By no means Give Up (RNG) have been confirmed to be shedding their spot in subsequent 12 months’s league, and FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) may be on the best way out.

The LPL has lengthy been one of many cornerstones of LoL esports, boasting a few of the strongest groups and gamers globally, and persistently ranks as one of the vital dominant areas at MSI and Worlds, alongside South Korea.

Within the LPL, there are a number of groups which have lengthy held stints on the high and turn into iconic in their very own proper, and RNG and FPX each fall into this class. 

We could have seen the final of those groups, although, at LoL Worlds 2025, as rumors recommend they are going to each have performed their final matches within the LPL.

LPL Assist With Huanfeng Scenario as RNG Depart

The Weibo publish claims: “RNG has been confirmed; subsequent 12 months, they’ll most likely not have the spot. The quota is handled as a buyback; whether or not they’ll give it away is extensively debated.”

The identical publish additionally addresses the continued state of affairs involving participant Tang “huanfeng” Huanfeng, stating: “The league is admittedly good; they’re serving to us get better our wages, and it ought to be settled. Because it’s registered with them, they’ll positively assist us pursue it.” 

This seems to reference the LPL stepping in to assist gamers get better unpaid wages by means of its inside programs.

FPX Tried to Withdraw in 2024

Moreover, FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) has reportedly withdrawn from the league. “Phoenix did certainly withdraw immediately. They had been speculated to withdraw final 12 months, however the quota was full, and solely two can withdraw per 12 months, so it was postponed to this 12 months,” the publish says.

If true, the exits of RNG and FPX would signify one of many largest shake-ups in LPL historical past. RNG, a staple of Chinese language League of Legends and a multiple-time home champion, has struggled in recent times following its worldwide peak within the mid-2010s. FPX, in the meantime, famously lifted the Summoner’s Cup in 2019 however has since confronted roster instability and combined aggressive outcomes.

The publish additionally means that RNG’s LPL slot will likely be handled as a “buyback,” permitting the organisation or the league to reclaim it. Nonetheless, it’s unclear whether or not RNG would need to do that.

Whereas these experiences haven’t been formally confirmed by both the LPL or the organizations concerned, they’ve generated widespread dialogue throughout Chinese language social media, with followers speculating on what this might imply for the longer term construction of the league.