Everything you need to know about the NLC 2026 relaunch

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 13/01/2026

The NLC has outlined its plans for NLC Winter 2026, including the format, teams, and talent involved in the new iteration of the league, which begins on January 15.

Following Los Ratones’ stint in the NLC, which dramatically increased the league’s viewership, the NLC has targeted other content creators to drive interest in the League.

Content creators involved in the new version of the NLC include Maksymilian ‘Drututt’ Przychodzień, Brandon ‘Forsen’ Wolfgang, and YouTube creator Dumbs.

NLC 2026 format

The NLC 2026 tournament consists of a 10-team single round robin format, where the top four teams qualify for a double elimination playoff bracket.

The bottom two playoff teams start in the lower bracket. All group stage matches are Bo1, all playoff matches, including the Grand Final, are Best of 5.

All group stage games will be Bo1s, played every Thursday night with two double-day weeks, leading up to a super week with Bo5 playoff matches and the Grand Final, also Best of 5.

The NLC also announced the introduction of ‘Wild Cards’ to matches. The NLC describes the feature as “the option to swap in a true legend with experience from one of the top-LoL leagues.”

It is not yet known which players will be involved, and even the team activating the Wild Card will not know who it is until the swap is activated; they will only know the role of the player.

Matchday coverage will begin in the NLC’s new studio environment, which will be supported by dedicated casters for the event.

Leagues Media, owner of the NLC licence, provided the following statement regarding the relaunch:

“Last season demonstrated how entertainment and competition are not opposites but attract viewers and live audiences to a level that supports a much more sustainable league and thereby teams and players.

Inspired by the new breed of leagues and competitive live entertainment, we have joined forces with some of the biggest names and creators of the game. At the same time, we introduce a format that is fun and easier to digest without compromising on the integrity of the game.

The new NLC will be a whirlpool of young talent and established teams, known creators, a cut-throat format, and loads of surprises. We believe that this combination benefits both players, teams and the tournament itself in terms of visibility and relevance.

The best competitive tournaments already exist, and we decided to offer the fans something different for fans to enjoy alongside the biggest tournaments. We aim to continue the positive development of the NLC by building an even more engaging league, catering to everybody who loves League of Legends in all shapes and forms.”

NLC Winter 2026 Teams

• Deer Gaming
• Ruddy Esports
• Arctic Pandas
• 4 Swines & A Bum
• La Bombas
• Lundqvist Lightside
• Verdant
• DMG Esports
• LEO Esports
• Bulldog Esports

NLC Winter 2026 Schedule

Group stage match days: Every Thursday from January 15 to February 26 + February 25

Playoffs & Deciders: March 4-6

Grand Final: March 7

NLC Winter 2026 Talent

Studio:

• Andreas ‘Duckling’ Birkum Gents
• Toby ‘Toby’ Freakman
• Ida ‘Emprez’ Pedersen
• Leah ‘Leah’ West

Casters:

• Georgia ‘Troubleinc’ Paras
• Jake ‘Hiprain’ Matthews

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Darragh Harbinson is an esports writer specialising in Counter-Strike. He has written for Esports News UK, Esports Insider, UKCSGO, Dexerto, and Rush B Media.

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