NAVI reportedly joining LEC as early as Summer Split

Ukrainian esports organisation NAVI is reportedly joining the LEC (League of Legends EMEA Championship) as early as this year’s Summer Split.

According to a report from Sheep Esports, NAVI is set to acquire the slot owned by European organisation Rogue.

The acquisition of the slot looks likely to be announced following the conclusion of the Spring Split at the beginning of August. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The report states that NAVI’s acquisition of the slot is the end of a “lengthy saga” which started in November 2023 when Saudi Arabian esports organisation Team Falcons initially attempted to acquire Rogue’s place in the LEC.

Rogue’s exit from the LEC follows a disappointing run of form for the organisation. Following its crowning moment at the 2022 Summer Playoffs, the organisation has struggled to rekindle performances required to contend with the best teams in Europe.

This year, the team placed at the bottom of the 2025 Spring Split standings with a 2-7 record.

For NAVI, expanding into Europe’s highest tier of League of Legends esports is another step towards consolidating its position as one of the most recognisable esports in the world.

Throughout 2025, it has expanded into various titles, including Apex Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Chess.

If the reports are true, NAVI will become the first organisation to acquire an LEC in two years. The last to purchase a slot was French esports organisation Karmine Corp, which acquired a stake in a slot owned by Astralis in October 2023.

2025 has been a year of expansion for the LEC. This year’s season is the first to use a new format that no longer features championship points and a season finale. Moreover, whilst not an acquisition, the MAD Lions brand exited the scene after merging with KOI and Movistar Riders.