In the 2019 Academy season, teams were only allowed to field one non-resident player on their active roster. Starting with the 2020 Season, we will be updating the LCS and Academy Official Rules to grant each Academy team an “emerging region” import slot for their active roster. Only players that are residents of a participating emerging region (see full list below) will be eligible for this additional import spot. 

With regard to Starting Roster, teams will still be required to adhere to section 4.4 of the LCS Rule Set which states: 

“LCS and LACS Teams may not have more than two (2) non-resident Players playing in the Starting Roster at any time.”

In order to ensure this policy is a strengthening aspect of the ecosystem, each Academy team will be limited to a single Emerging Region Import. 

The goal of the Academy League has always been to groom the next generation of stars and strengthen the talent development pipeline in NA. We’re excited to allow LCS teams the chance to extend that opportunity to aspiring stars from developing regions. 

Only players from the following regions are eligible to be signed as an Emerging Region Imported Players for LACS:  

• Turkey
• Brazil 
• Latin America
• Oceania 
• Commonwealth of Independent States

Each of these regions has opted into participating in this new policy. Our hope is that additional competitive opportunities will be a beneficial tool for developing talent across multiple regions. 

The import policy at the LCS level remains unchanged (two non-US/Canadian players, regardless of their country of residence).