The VCT is known for partnering with big Valorant esports teams, as Riot Games partnered with 30 different teams across three different leagues back in 2022. The esports teams partnered with VCT back then signed four-year contracts, with the chance to possibly resign in 2026.
Riot Games, though, could choose to sign different teams instead.
VCT To Possibly Partner With New Valorant Esports Teams
While there is still more than a year left before the 30 teams partnered with the VCT’s contracts expire, Riot Games is already looking at different esports organizations that they now consider to be first in line to join VCT’s partner leagues.
Leo Faria, the Global Head of Valorant Esports, made it known on social media that the company has its eye on quite a few teams for 2026 when it will be time to create new contracts.
“Teams still need to meet our criteria for partnership, but there’s no question that orgs in Challengers are the first in line whenever slots open up,” said Faria.
With quite a bit more competition ahead of Valorant teams in the future, there is still the possibility that new teams and players enter Challengers and catch the eye of Riot Games.
Currently, The Challengers League has quite a few teams involved, with players from various countries around the world.
Valorant Challengers 2024
As of now, the 2024 Challengers League has some of the biggest teams in Valorant esports on its roster. With many tournaments to be held over the next year, though, we could see other teams qualify their way into the spotlight, possibly giving them a chance at getting a VCT partnership in 2026.
Some large names, such as TSM, are a part of Challengers: North American Split. Will we see many large teams as such acquire VCT partnerships in 2026? Or will the league feature many unexpected teams?
Stay tuned to Insider Gaming for more esports news.
