The Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) and the Esports Foundation (formerly the Esports World Cup Foundation) have confirmed that KeSPA will return as National Team Manager for South Korea at the Esports Nations Cup.
The news followed the removal of KeSPA as National Team Manager following a dispute over player selection, which threatened South Korea’s representation at the event and threatened the ability of competitors to play under the official ‘Team Korea’ banner due to legal reasons.
The statement confirms “Korea’s national coaches and players will continue to be selected with professional integrity, in accordance with the partners’ regulations and competition standards. Ultimately, the players and coaches representing Korea will participate under the official ‘Team Korea of Esports’ banner.”
Statements confirm KeSPA’s return, confirming ‘Team Korea of Esports’ representation at the Esports Nations Cup
The Esports Foundation shared the following statement with Insider Gaming:
“KeSPA and the Esports Foundation have agreed to a continued partnership and a joint path forward for the Esports Nations Cup 2026, built on a shared vision to support the long-term growth of esports through structured international competition.
“With alignment on values, operational standards, and national team structure, and in recognition of KeSPA’s established expertise and authority in Korea, the two parties have agreed that KeSPA will serve as National Team Partner and lead Korea’s national team selection.
“Korea’s national coaches and players will continue to be selected with professional integrity, in accordance with the partners’ regulations and competition standards. Ultimately, the players and coaches representing Korea will participate under the official ‘Team Korea of Esports’ banner
“KeSPA’s experience, leadership and contribution to the development of international esports have been instrumental to the worldwide recognition of the esports movement. The shared priority of the Esports Foundation and KeSPA partnership ensures that South Korea’s most talented players have the opportunity to showcase their skills and excellence on the global stage.
“The Esports Nations Cup is a new global competition developed in partnership with international stakeholders, game publishers, and ecosystem leaders across more than 100 countries and territories, and we look forward to an impactful participation of Team Korea of Esports at ENC26.”
KeSPA shared the following statement on their social media (translated):
“The Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) and the Esports Foundation share a common vision of supporting the long-term growth of esports through systematic international competitions.
“Based on this vision, they have agreed to continue their partnership for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup (Esports Nations Cup 2026) and maintain a shared direction. Both parties align on values, operational standards, and the structure of the national team.
“Recognizing KeSPA’s expertise and authority within Korea, they have agreed that KeSPA will lead the selection of the Korean national team as the National Team Partner. Korean national team players will participate in the competition under the official name ‘Republic of Korea Esports National Team (Team Korea of Esports).’
“The selection process for the Korean national team coaching staff and players will continue in a professional and fair manner, in accordance with the regulations of both partner organizations and the competition standards.
“KeSPA’s experience and leadership, along with its contributions to the development of international esports, have played a crucial role in gaining global recognition for the esports movement.
“The shared priority of the partnership between the Esports Foundation and KeSPA is to enable Korea’s outstanding players to showcase their skills and excellence on the global stage.
“The Esports Nations Cup is a new global competition developed through collaboration with international stakeholders, game publishers, and ecosystem leaders across more than 100 countries and regions. Both parties look forward to a meaningful participation by the Republic of Korea Esports National Team in ENC26.”
Will KeSPA’s presence elevate the Esports Nations Cup? Let us know your thoughts on our Discord.
For more news, see every League of Legends coach at the Esports Nations Cup 2026.
Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
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