Report: ERL teams meeting €1,500 monthly salary benchmark fall from 60 to 18

Report: ERL teams meeting €1,500 monthly salary benchmark fall from 60 to 18

Europe’s regional League of Legends circuit has experienced a Sharp reduction in teams Able to support professional salaries, according to research published by Sheep Esports.

The report estimates that 60 teams paid an average of at least €1,500 per player per month in Spring 2023, compared with 18 in Winter 2026.

A measure of shrinking professional opportunities

The figures compare estimated team salary averages, Rather than confirming that every individual player earned the stated amount.

Sheep Esports cross-checked its estimates with agents and contacted teams whose salaries appeared close to the threshold. The outlet described €1,500 as a research benchmark, acknowledging that living costs vary between countries.

Teams below that level May still pay their players, but are excluded from the comparison.

Further contraction projected for 2027

The report estimates that Only six to eleven teams could meet the same benchmark at the beginning of 2027. That remains a projection Rather than a confirmed count.

Recent organisational departures contribute to the outlook. Barça eSports has announced its exit from Spain’s regional competition, while Sheep reports that Kaufland Hangry Knights will Leave the Prime League.

The findings Highlight a weakening employment BASE beneath the LEC, affecting the regional system through which players, coaches and organisations develop before reaching Europe’s top division.