Introduction: The S15 season is underway, and most players have been paying attention to the recent matchups. The LCK region’s overall hype is extremely strong. Following a reorganization of the HLE team, their fanbase and attention have surged, with their jungler Kanavi stepping up as the team’s eldest member. In a recent video, fans saw an amusing side of him as he openly declared his intention to straighten out the team. Meanwhile, T1’s parent company officially announced plans to expand the team again, with a massive scale reaching 30 billion KRW. With this expansion, T1’s overall revenue and expenses are expected to see a significant upgrade.

Kanavi returns to reform discipline issues at HLE

Most players are quite familiar with the LCK region. As the world’s top league, LCK has developed rapidly over recent years and achieved outstanding results, winning the World Championship multiple years in a row. This season, the LCK underwent large-scale roster changes, with many teams swapping players and building strong lineups. Currently, T1 and HLE are the hottest teams, especially HLE, with top laner Zeus, jungler Kanavi, mid laner Zeka, and AD carry Little Ruler — an almost all-champion lineup that has captured global attention. In the latest released video, Kanavi’s true nature was clearly revealed.

Everyone knows that previously he was a substitute jungler for Griffin, not only lacking playtime but even having to eat leftovers from the main roster. After transferring to JDG, he gradually rose to prominence. Perhaps aging has made him a bit more audacious. In a recent video, Kanavi’s interaction sparked widespread teasing online. Kanavi: “Why don’t I have my team jersey?” Staff: “I don’t know either...” Gumayusi: “I’m number 98 because I wanted a 9 and 9 is also the debut date, September 8; the official video also shows 98.” Kanavi: “I’m number 1, since Wongo is 11, I took one 1 from that, plus I’m the oldest on the team, so I need to properly enforce team discipline.” Gumayusi: “So am I number 98 or born in ’98?”

He used to be the team’s junior, but now as the senior, he’s starting to show authority. Indeed, this is a Korean tradition, consistent across LCK teams and others. Recently, T1’s parent company SK announced capital expansion. After three consecutive championships, T1’s popularity has peaked, and everyone is watching where the team will head next season. Now is the best time to raise funds, especially as League of Legends is gradually declining, so they want to seize the opportunity to make a final profit.

According to industry sources, T1 has recently begun paid capital increases and fundraising efforts. Although the exact amount is not yet fixed, the discussions suggest between 10 billion and 30 billion KRW, raised through overseas investment to cover T1’s operating costs. Indeed, operational expenses for clubs across major regions are very high. Prize money alone cannot sustain team operations. Almost all clubs, including T1, are running financial deficits. Especially after LCK’s franchising, player salaries have risen significantly, making external funding essential.

Farewell thoughts

No one expected T1 to seek 30 billion KRW in funding. Keep in mind, top pro players’ salaries are around 2 billion KRW. Thirty billion KRW equals roughly 150 million RMB, which is a moderate investment compared to domestic clubs. For example, JDG’s transfer spending this season reached 110 million RMB. This is the best opportunity for the LPL region. Since Faker cannot join LPL, why not become Faker’s owner? Are domestic investors ready to inject capital and join in?

Dear viewers, what are your thoughts on this matter?