Prior to the end of the spring split playoffs, NRG Esports acquired Counter Logic Gaming's franchise slot.
Just before the original planned start of the Summer Split, most LCS franchises ended their Challenger programs, leaving many pro players without teams.
They also warned that if no agreement was reached in that time, the entire LCS season would be canceled, and North American teams would miss Worlds 2023.
The Finals were played at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the top two teams from the playoffs qualified for the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational.
[8] On April 6, 2023, NRG announced that it would be acquiring Counter Logic Gaming (CLG) and taking over its LCS slot.
Subsequently, every LCS franchise aside from Team Liquid, Evil Geniuses, and FlyQuest, disbanded their development rosters.
The LCSPA characterized Riot Games' decision as an "unprecedented move to dismantle the NACL," which would have rendered as many as 70 players, coaches, and managers unemployed.
[12] Riot Games decided to delay the start of the LCS Summer Split by two weeks to give more time for negotiations.
They also stipulated that if both parties could not reach an agreement within the designated two-week period, the summer season would be canceled, and North American teams would not be able to compete in the 2023 World Championship.
During the first week of the split, players acknowledged prevailing issues within the Challenger system, but criticized Riot Games handling of the situation.
There were concerns that this scheduling decision might impact the popularity of the competition and the future growth of League of Legends esports in the region, as younger viewers may be heavily involved in school, homework, and extracurricular activities during the broadcast time.