Sentinels Join LCS, Replace 100 Thieves

Sentinels Set to Join the LCS in 2026, Replacing 100 Thieves

Big changes are coming to the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). According to a report from Sheep Esports, Sentinels will officially join the LCS in 2026, taking over the slot previously held by 100 Thieves, who will exit the league at the end of the 2025 season. This marks a major shift in North American LoL esports and could give the region a much-needed boost heading into its next competitive era.

A New Chapter for the LCS

Riot Games has reportedly chosen Sentinels to replace 100 Thieves without requiring a franchise fee, a rare and strategic move. This decision aligns with the publisher’s broader plans to rebrand the LCS after the 2025 LTA experiment, which was designed to test new competitive structures and viewer engagement strategies.

100 Thieves, who returned as a provisional guest team in 2025 after selling back their spot to Riot, will now make way for Sentinels. The details surrounding Sentinels’ integration into the LCS are still under wraps, but sources suggest this could be part of a long-term restructuring effort meant to boost the league’s appeal and stability in the North American market.

Sentinels’ Legacy in Esports

Sentinels’ return to League of Legends marks a full-circle moment for the organization. Originally founded in 2016 under the name Phoenix1, the team competed in the NA LCS until 2017 before rebranding as Sentinels in 2018. Since then, they’ve built one of the most recognizable brands in North American esports, based out of Los Angeles and celebrated for their dominance in VALORANT, winning multiple international Masters titles.

Beyond LoL, Sentinels have expanded their presence across titles like Apex Legends, Halo, and the new Marvel Rivals, further strengthening their competitive portfolio. Their ability to adapt and perform across various ecosystems has made them one of the most resilient and marketable organizations in esports.

Focused on Sustainable Growth 2024 was a breakout year for Sentinels’ business operations. As reported by Sheep Esports, their sales nearly doubled, from $2.9 million to $5.7 million, thanks to high-value partnerships with Razer and Red Bull. CEO Rob Moore emphasized that the organization’s new priority is building a sustainable, long-term business model, a sentiment that’s become increasingly important in the evolving esports economy.

Across 2025, many major organizations have started focusing on sustainable revenue streams rather than rapid expansion. For Sentinels, that balance between profitability and performance has set them up for consistent growth, paving the way for their re-entry into League of Legends.

The Return to League of Legends

Earlier this year, Sentinels hinted at their interest in returning to LoL. In a June interview with Sheep Esports, the organization confirmed they were evaluating a potential comeback, citing the guest team system as an appealing way to re-enter without immediate long-term commitment. At the same time, Sentinels were exploring a move into Counter-Strike 2, suggesting a broader expansion strategy across premier esports titles.

Their eventual selection by Riot Games signals a strong endorsement of Sentinels’ brand and stability. While the exact terms of their LCS participation are not confirmed, insiders believe the deal resembles Riot’s multi-year model used for VCT VALORANT partnerships, suggesting that Sentinels are here to stay.

What’s Next for Sentinels?

The next step will be roster-building. While no players have been officially signed yet, Sentinels have already started scouting talent, aiming to assemble a competitive lineup capable of making an immediate impact in the 2026 LCS season.

Their return to the League of Legends scene could provide a major boost to the league’s competitive depth and fan engagement. With a strong brand, proven business growth, and Riot’s confidence behind them, Sentinels are positioned to rank among the top North American teams in the coming years, revitalizing a league eager for fresh energy and ambition.

In short: Sentinels’ LCS return marks a new era for both the team and the North American LoL ecosystem. As they prepare for their 2026 debut, the organization’s mix of business acumen and competitive ambition could be exactly what the LCS needs to reignite its global relevance.

 

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