The Sentinels are officially back in League of Legends. Riot Games has confirmed that the North American powerhouse will join the League Championship Series (LCS) as a permanent partner organization beginning in the 2026 season. They will replace 100 Thieves, who are stepping away from the league at the end of 2025.
A New Chapter for the LCS
The 2025 LCS season marked a transitional period for the league, operating under the combined LTA structure that temporarily merged regional operations. During that time, 100 Thieves competed as an invited organization without full partner rights. With their exit, Riot Games initiated a return to a more traditional, standalone format — and the Sentinels have now been chosen to fill the open partner slot.
While financial details remain undisclosed, reports confirm that Sentinels were granted entry without paying a franchise fee, signaling Riot’s renewed interest in expanding the LCS with long-term, brand-strong organizations.
The Return of a Legacy Brand
Founded in 2016 under the name Phoenix1, the Sentinels were one of the early competitors in the North American LCS before their rebrand in 2018. Since then, they’ve built a global reputation in titles like Valorant and Apex Legends, becoming one of the most recognizable esports brands in the region. Now, nearly a decade later, they’re returning to the game that started it all.
“Rejoining the LCS feels like coming home,” a Sentinels representative shared in a brief statement following the announcement. “Our fans have been asking for this for years — and now, we’re ready to build something legendary again.”
What It Means for the LCS
The inclusion of Sentinels could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing revitalization of North American League of Legends. With a new partner structure, stronger regional focus, and the return of familiar names, the 2026 season could represent a fresh start for both fans and teams.
As one of North America’s most marketable organizations, Sentinels’ re-entry adds weight to the LCS’s push to regain global competitiveness — and sets the stage for renewed rivalries, fan engagement, and long-term stability in the region’s esports ecosystem.