Team SoloMid (TSM), one of the most prominent esports organizations in North America, may be considering a major shift in its priorities. According to a recent report by Dexerto, TSM is contemplating the sale of its League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) slot, and may pause several of its other esports efforts as well. This news has sent shockwaves throughout the esports community, with many wondering what this could mean for the future of TSM and the broader industry. In this article, we’ll explore the details of this report and examine the potential implications of TSM’s rumored decision.
According to a report from the Sports Business Journal, TSM is considering selling its spot in the League of Legends Championship Series and halting some of its other esports investments. The company has experienced a recent outflow of employees as it scales down its operations, with prominent departures including VP of Esports Operations Dominic Kallas and COO Walter Wang, League of Legends General Manager Yang ‘Glen’ Po-Jen, and team manager Chien-Yu ‘Kristine’ Huang.
TSM’s planned expansion into CS:GO in 2023 may be in jeopardy, despite the organization recently posting a job opening for a CS:GO General Manager. The cuts in the organization are expected to be substantial, as TSM CEO Andy ‘Reginald’ Dinh said in a Reddit thread that TSM had “expanded too quickly” and needed to lay off employees to remain “sustainable.” Dinh also stated that he plans to release an update on the company’s situation within the next four to five months.
It remains to be seen whether the eSports company’s planned expansion to CS:GO and other ventures will still be viable after this period of restructuring. TSM currently fields teams in Valorant, League of Legends, Apex Legends, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Teamfight Tactics, and Dota 2, as well as a large number of content creators under its brand. The organization’s largest shareholder is Swift Media Entertainment, which also operates the gaming application Blitz and talent agency ICON.
TSM is recognized for its presence in the world of esports, having won seven LCS titles and competed in every season of the LCS since its establishment in 2013. It is also one of just two organizations, alongside CLG, to have done so. Despite experiencing success in the world of esports, TSM has yet to comment on the report.
As the esports industry continues to rapidly evolve, TSM’s reported decision to sell their LCS slot and pause several esports efforts demonstrates the challenges and tough choices faced by organizations in this field. While it may be disappointing to some fans, it’s a reminder that behind the glitz and glam of competitive gaming lies a complex web of business decisions and financial considerations. Nevertheless, TSM’s impact on the esports scene has been undeniable, and it’s clear that their legacy will continue to be felt – no matter what the future holds.
