The Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC) has been thrown into uncertainty after tournament operator Leagues ApS shut down, forcing Riot Games to delay the league’s upcoming season while it searches for a new organizer.

Leagues ApS, the Danish company responsible for running the NLC across the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions, recently informed Riot Games that it was no longer able to continue operating the competition. Senior sources have confirmed that all staff members have been let go following the company’s closure.

The organization also managed esports platform Leagues.gg and production subsidiary Leagues Media, both of which are now affected by the shutdown. The news became public after Ramish Hussain, Head of Live Production at Leagues Media, revealed on LinkedIn that his role had ended due to the company ceasing operations.

Although Leagues ApS is still listed as active on Denmark’s Central Business Register, its status is expected to change soon.

Warning Signs Emerge

Trouble surrounding the NLC had surfaced earlier this year when broadcast talent publicly raised concerns about late payments, unpaid invoices, and sudden removal from league broadcasts. Some matches reportedly went ahead without official commentators, signaling operational difficulties behind the scenes.

The company had already reduced staff last year as part of efforts to centralize operations in Copenhagen, suggesting financial pressures had been building well before the shutdown.

Riot Delays Season

In response, Riot Games announced the postponement of the NLC Spring Split to late April, giving the publisher time to secure a new tournament operator and reassess the league’s structure.

“We understand this disrupts your ability to follow and support your favorite teams,” Riot said in a statement, adding that discussions are ongoing to ensure a stable competitive environment for teams across the region.

The developer confirmed it is exploring different organizational and format options before announcing updated dates and leadership for the league.