NAVI reportedly set to join the LEC, replacing Rogue

More than six years after exiting the League of Legends scene, an esports giant is set to return as NAVI look poised to join the LEC.

According to a report by Alejandro "Anonimotum" Gomis, the legendary organization is in advanced negotiations with Rogue to acquire the team's slot in the LEC and ultimately join the league.

After 6 years in the league, Rogue are set to give up their slot in the LEC to NAVI. (Credit: Rogue)

NAVI: A giant joins the LEC

Though NAVI are not complete strangers to the game, the organization's journey across League of Legends was cut short when the NAVI roster disbanded back in 2017. At the time, the team competed in the Tier-2 scene in Russia, far from the spotlight of the LEC (then known as the EU LCS).

Ever since, the Ukrainian organization has remained far removed from League of Legends. And yet, NAVI remains one of esports' most renowned organizations.

In Counter-Strike, NAVI is one of the very best teams in the scene, and has long-stood as one of the game's biggest giants. Meanwhile, though the team is struggling to get back to its previous heights in Dota 2, NAVI remain one of the most historic organizations in the game.

The perfect addition

An organization of NAVI's caliber, and size, joining the LEC could prove to grow the league even further, while maintaining a high level of competition across the board. Rogue's slot in the LEC has reportedly been for sale since July of 2024, which reportedly prompted several organizations, including the very own Team Falcons, to consider entering the League of Legends scene in Europe. NAVI, however, could prove to be the ideal addition to the LEC, elevating the league's lineup of teams to new heights.

With the deal supposedly being finalized soon, NAVI's inclusion to the league could come as soon as the 2025 Summer Split. The question now is, can the start of NAVI's journey live up to the standards set by the recent newcomers of Karmine Corp in the LEC?

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Featured image credit: NAVI

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