VCT Teams to lose up to $400K revenue stream each as Riot Games ceases Content Creation Program for 2025

Riot Games is reportedly planning to revamp its financial support model for teams competing in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) globally. Their primary target currently is the Content Creation Program.

According to a report by esports journalist Alejandro "Anonimotum" Gomis, sources indicate that a major change under consideration for 2025 is the elimination of the incentive program tied to content creation, co-streaming, and other media activities by VCT teams.

This program has previously rewarded teams with financial bonuses for achieving certain content-related milestones, such as viewership metrics.

A substantial loss

Historically, VCT teams could earn up to $400,000 through this incentive program, depending on their success in meeting specific goals.

Teams were informed of this potential shift during the final week of the regular season, which left some in a challenging position, as they had already budgeted based on the expected income from this content creation program. Many teams had also entered into multi-year contracts with content creators and media staff, assuming continued financial support from Riot for content-related efforts.

Despite the removal of this incentive, teams will still be expected to produce content, though the required minimums may be lower than in previous years. This development has sparked concern among several teams, especially given the short notice, as they fear the loss of guaranteed revenue could negatively impact their financial stability.

For a long time, 100 Thieves have been standard setters in terms of content creation in the VCT Americas. (Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)

Teams cautious about Riot's restructuring

Riot Games assured Sheep Esports that these changes are part of their annual adjustment to the team payment structure. The company highlighted its increased focus on digital items, which have seen strong sales, driven by the support of the game's fanbase.

Riot expressed optimism that the overall amount of money distributed to teams will continue to grow, building on the positive trend of the past three years.

Reactions among VCT teams have been mixed. A significant number of teams are reportedly unhappy with the timing and communication of these changes, with concerns taking place about the potential loss of $400,000 per team.

Some teams, however, are more optimistic, believing that their total payouts for 2025 may ultimately be comparable to those of 2024, assuming Riot's projections hold true.

Alternative financial support for VCT teams

While the content creation program may be ending, Riot still provides other forms of financial support to VCT teams. For example, teams receive a participation fee, which in the EMEA region is around $300,000.

Additionally, Riot guarantees another $300,000 to each team through revenue from digital cosmetic sales, such as champion skins, with the potential for this amount to increase based on sales performance. This fixed amount is expected to rise to $400,000 in 2025 as part of Riot's restructuring efforts.

Teams that qualify for international tournaments like Masters or Champions also receive additional financial rewards. Moreover, in 2025, all 48 VCT teams are expected to receive new Classic weapon skins, which will be available for purchase, with an upgraded version of the 2024 skins likely being offered.

These new Classic skins will be purchasable to all players, regardless of whether one already owned the 2024 Classic skin or not.

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Image source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

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