Despite having formed a ‘strategic alliance’ less than a year ago, it seems like Rogue is struggling with financial issues that is impacting KOI and the partnership deal.
Image Credits | Koi, Rogue
Rogue has been behind on payments in the joint esports venture with KOI
According to a report by Spanish outlet Esportmaníacos, there seems to be financial issues with the technology firm behind Rogue, Infinite Reality, Inc. It recently acquired ReKtGlobal, the parent company of Rogue and the London Royal Ravens, for a total $470 million back in April 2022.
Starting from this year, Rogue and KOI have formed a ‘strategic alliance’, with the goal of having the League of Legends, Rocket League, and Rainbow Six teams began competing under KOI’s name. KOI is the spanish esports organization founded by Ibai Llanos and Gerard Piqué, and it has been one of the most-followed teams in the European scene.
While it was supposed to be a positive partnership, it seems like the result is not as great as they expected. Infinite Reality is reportedly behind on payments to employees in the company, as well as to content creators and players. Additionally, Rogue’s parent company have also struggled to pay the franchise fees for the League of Legends EMEA Championship spot, which might damage KOI in the near future.
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Ibai has reportedly been covering unpaid salaries with his money
The Spanish personality has been using his own money to cover some of the debts and the delayed payments, amounting nearly of €3 million ($3.28 million). He paid salaries of players content creators, while also covering expenses for the gaming house of the Superliga team.
“All of this has led to great concern around KOI as they see that the project lacks economic solvency and is generating great instability in the club,” the report adds. “The continuity of the project as such is being considered.” According to another Spanish content creator Kuentin, Ibai is considering the possibility of leaving KOI due to these issues.
Considered one of the most influential people in the gaming and esports, Ibai has had a great impact on the European League with his own following. He was granted co-streaming at the start of the LEC season, as his following would lead to peak viewership numbers in previous splits. After winning the LEC championship as Rogue last season, this season KOI failed to qualify for Worlds 2023, only having finished 7th in championship points.
Read also: All LoL teams qualified for Worlds 2023
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