FPX leaves the LPL after league restructuring

The LPL has officially repurchased the seat of FunPlusPhoenix (FPX)which marks the organization’s exit from the Chinese League of Legends competition. FPX will cease to participate in the LPL and related competitions as of January 1, 2026.

FPX’s exit from the Chinese league was reportedly scheduled for the end of 2024, but it was Rare Atom that ended up leaving first. With the LPL undergoing a major restructuring that reduces the number of participating teams, FPX has decided to leave the scene.

We thank FPX for weathering the storms and walking hand in hand with the League. Fighting for our own paths, we share the same winds across a thousand miles! We sincerely wish FPX Esports Club to spread its wings in its new adventure and continue to triumph in writing new chapters of glory!

LPL

This time there will be no renaissance for FPX

FPX’s exit from the scene is a big loss for the LPL, as the team was one of three Chinese organizations that had won League of Legends Worlds. The team won the 2019 crown in Paris, defeating local favorite G2 Esports and ending the European team’s golden streak that season.

Since then, FPX has been unable to repeat those results and has gradually lost its top talents, including Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang and jungler Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang. Last season, FPX consistently competed in the middle of the league, with an eighth place finish as its best result in LPL Split 2.

Aside from FPX, another Chinese team that will reportedly leave the league is Royal Never Give Up (RNG), another flagship organization that has won several MSI titles. That said, there is still no official statement from the league on RNG’s departure.

The LPL is undergoing major changes to its franchise structure due to a lack of international results and reduced participation. According to reports, the Chinese league will also introduce a new auction system for free agents and a reduced salary cap to further control team spending.