FC Schalke 04 reportedly selling LEC franchise for $36 million

It was only a few days ago that it got confirmed that FC Schalke 04 will be pulling out of the LEC and selling its spot ahead of the 2022 season.

Rumors of Schalke 04 selling its spot have been floating for months now, but it is finally looking like an official transfer of the franchise is getting closer. According to a recent report by Esportmaniacos, the German football club is in talks with Team BDS to sell the spot for a whopping 30 million euros, or approximately $36 million. This is significantly more than the €20 million that was rumored back at the start of the year, confirming that organizations are ready to pay big bucks for a place in the LEC. 

If the reports are true, Team BDS will likely enter the LEC for the first time in 2022 after competing in the French LFL for only a few splits. Team BDS had its LFL debut in the 2021 spring split, where the Swiss organization managed to secure fourth place. In the ongoing summer split, Team BDS has had a bad start but is looking to bounce back and compete for the trophy with its star-studded roster.  

Entering the LEC would be a big step up for Team BDS, which might also mean that the roster will see some changes. While the current Team BDS roster should be very competitive in the European Regional Leagues, playing in the LEC will be a whole other matter. Not only that, but Team BDS would also be forced to spend a significant amount of money to put together a competitive roster on top of the $36 million they are set to spend on the franchise. 

Depending on the terms of the deal, Team BDS may be set to add some or all of S04’s current team. The current Schalke roster holds names such as Sergen “Broken Blade” Çelik, Dino “LIMIT” Tot, and Erberk “Gilius” Demir, who are all solid talents. It’s also possible that Team BDS will look elsewhere and potentially build a new superstar team. If rumors are true, Team BDS isn’t short of money and could potentially look to enter the LEC with a bang in the coming year. 

For now, the sale is yet to be officially announced but seems likely to happen. Team BDS has been rumored as a buyer for a while now and it finally seems that the Swiss organization will be the highest bidder. Other teams that have reportedly been in talks with Schalke for the spot are Heretics, Giants, and Karmine Corp. 

If or when Schalke 04 sells its LEC spot, the new organization will step in for the 2022 LEC Spring Split.