NLC responds to criticism over delayed payments

Leagues.gg, organisers of the Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC), has responded to criticisms over how the 2025 season was run as well as recent decisions made surrounding the future of the league.

The statement follows reported concerns about late payments and broader structural updates to the NLC for 2026, including format adjustments and talent changes.

In the statement, Leagues.GG shared that the NLC made significant investments for its splits in Nottingham, Copenhagen and Stockholm. However, the NLC failed to secure ‘sufficient commercial return’ on the investment, and as a result, Leagues.gg shifted focus to securing additional funding, causing delays in payments.

The organiser has confirmed that it has settled all original invoices after receiving support from ‘several large creditors.’ Furthermore, Leagues.gg shared that, while certain late fees were declined, it offered to cover documented costs resulting from the delayed payments but claimed it did not receive a response. However, it has also invited those with outstanding voices to come forward.

The post then addressed the controversial change to its talent roster, following the release of several casters. The organiser shared that the decision was made as a result of its efforts to take the league ‘in a new direction,’ but acknowledged that communication ‘could have been handled better.’

Finally, the statement addressed feedback surrounding format changes, including allowing creators to compete. It shared that it remains committed to the new format as the ‘long-term direction of broadcasting.’ However, Leagues.gg shared that it pushed further than fans ‘were comfortable with’ and, as a result, it promised to reassess the format following the 2026 NLC Winter Split.

The response comes after various casters, hosts and others who worked on the League’s broadcast accused Leagues.gg, the organisation operating the NLC, of failing to pay them on time.

According to Esports News UK, most invoices were submitted back in September 2025, following the conclusion of the NLC 2025 Summer Split. However, delays began to be reported a month later, with contracts allegedly stating to ‘pay valid invoices within 30 days of receipt.’

Verdant coach Adam ‘Eragon‘ Harney, who did casting work during the 2025 season, also shared frustrations with the supposed lack of communication from the NLC surrounding the status of late invoice fees.

Fans voiced their disappointment online after NLC announced that it was letting go of casters Georgia ‘Troubleinc‘ Paras and Jake ‘Hiprain‘ Matthews. Leagues.gg also faced criticism from fans after announcing that it was developing the league into a format driven by influencers and creators.