We at NerdLeaks are watching a developing situation that could have major consequences for the League of Legends scene: Dplus KIA is reportedly facing unpaid wages for its roster, and if true, that shortfall could jeopardize the organization's place in the LCK.
What Was Reported
Per Insider Gaming, which relays a report from Korean media publication Daily e-Sports, the Dplus KIA roster "has not received one month's worth of wages." The reporting explains that the squad was at one point owed two months' pay, but they recently received one month, leaving a single-month deficit outstanding. The story adds that players across all disciplines managed by Dplus KIA are reportedly affected by these overdue payments.
The report also says the roster was built primarily of rookies around veteran mid-laner Heo 'ShowMaker' Su, yet payroll is still substantial — "in the range of 3 billion KRW per year, or approximately $2 million," per the translation included in the coverage.
Insider Gaming reports the organization is allegedly considering a sale of the roster to alleviate financial strain. An unnamed Dplus KIA representative is quoted as saying: "It is true. Delays in the sale of the team disrupted our financial planning. We sought the players' understanding in advance and are currently working toward a swift resolution. We plan to release an official statement soon."
The Source & Credibility
Take this with a pinch of salt — the information is relayed via Insider Gaming from Daily e-Sports and includes translated quotes and unnamed sources. The report contains direct translations for key claims and also cites an "industry insider" for regulatory context, so there are multiple threads to follow, but also points where uncertainty remains.
That "industry insider" is quoted as noting: "In the LCK, a request for contract termination can be made if wages are overdue by a month." If the reported one-month overdue wage stands, that is precisely the threshold the insider flagged.
Insider Gaming also draws a parallel with a recent Riot action in another scene: the removal of Ascension team ULF Esports from VCT EMEA over alleged missed payments, which resulted in the near-total transfer of that roster to Eternal Fire (four of the five players moved). Riot's public comment at the time — "Our priority following this decision was to ensure that the players – who earned their place in VCT EMEA through Ascension – were able to continue competing in the league." — is included in the report and demonstrates Riot's willingness to act on payment issues, per the source.
What It Could Mean
If the reporting is accurate, several chains of consequence are possible. First, an LCK request for contract termination could be filed if wages remain overdue by a month, per the industry insider's claim. That would put Dplus KIA's slot in the league at risk — and with the Regular Season slated to resume on July 29, timing could become critical for the players and the competition.
Second, Insider Gaming says the organization is considering selling the roster as a way to solve its financial problems. If a sale happens quickly enough, it might preserve the players' ability to compete under a new banner. If not, the team could face removal and a scramble to find a new home — a scenario reminiscent of the VCT EMEA situation described above, though there are no claims in the report that a transfer like that is imminent for Dplus KIA.
Finally, the report stresses that players across Dplus KIA’s multiple divisions are reportedly affected, meaning this is not necessarily limited to the LoL roster. Again, this is what Insider Gaming relays from Daily e-Sports — take these details as allegations until we see direct confirmation from the club or governing bodies.
Why This Matters
At stake here are livelihoods and competitive integrity. If teams can continue to operate while payrolls slip, players and staff bear the immediate risk. If leagues are compelled to intervene, it raises questions about roster continuity and the tournament calendar. The Insider Gaming coverage underlines that Riot has exercised its authority in payment disputes before — and that its priority, per its past comment, was to keep players competing.
We will be watching closely for the official statement Dplus KIA reportedly plans to release, and for any action from league organizers. For now, this is an allegation with potentially wide-ranging consequences for the League of Legends ecosystem — if true, it could reshuffle not just one roster but competitive plans for the LCK's ongoing season. As always, we urge readers to treat the reporting cautiously and expect updates as
