Schalke 04 Esports is no more. It was announced that the storied German football club officially sold their LEC slot to the Swiss organization, Team BDS for over 26 million Euros today. As of 2022, Schalke 04 Esports won’t be part of the LEC anymore.
The sale comes after financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schalke 04 is one of the most famous football clubs in German soccer, but has failed to retain a spot in the Bundesliga next season. Money has been scarce and finally, the last stone has fallen and Schalke is saying goodbye to their LEC team.
Who is Team BDS?
Team BDS is a young Swiss organization that has already shown great prowess in esports with their LFL team, which has been a top contender over the last few splits in the French league.
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Team BDS has grown many esports talents over the last few years and according to Riot are already a well-established esports organization even though they’re still very young. Whether they will retain the Schalke 04 Esports players for 2022 though is yet to be known, since it depends on the players themselves, whether they’ll sign with Team BDS at the end of the year.
We'll never forget the #S04MiracleRun @TeamBDS will acquire @S04Esports' #LEC slot and join the league in Spring 2022. pic.twitter.com/KpEqkqHSUT
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) June 29, 2021
What will Happen to Schalke 04 Esports for the Rest of 2021?
The remainder of the season will be played out as normal. Schalke 04 Esports will continue to compete in the LEC and try to make it to the 2021 World Championship in China. This signing will only have an effect on the 2022 season.
Therefore, fans can still cheer for Schalke 04 Esports for the remainder of 2021 and hope for a spot at the World Championship. They were extremely close last year after a horrendous start to their summer split in 2020 and then going on a ‘miracle run’ in which they won 10 games in a row.
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Will we see such magic one last time from the royal blue in 2021 as well? Fans can only hope.
How has Schalke 04 Esports Reacted to the Sale?
Schalke 04 Esports have posted a statement on Twitter in which they explained that over the last few months they’ve looked at different options to try and keep the team in the LEC, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic as well as their football teams decline this was not an option for them at this time.
They go on to say that they will continue to work in the esports sector and are currently working on that. They continue to thank the fans for their dedication and their love for their team. The whole statement can be found here.
Team BDS will be the new 10th team of the LEC. Maybe they’ll be able to upset G2, the same way the Swiss upset France at the Euro 2020?
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