LDLC OL
French electronics retailer LDLC has confirmed that its Team LDLC esports outfit will cease operations at the end of July.
Confirmed:
- Founded in 2010, Team LDLC has competed in the likes of FIFA, Counter-Strike and League of Legends
- Esports organisation partnered with French top-flight soccer club Olympique Lyonnais in 2020 but the pair have agreed to an early termination
- LDLC to withdraw involvement from the esports sector once Lyon tie-up ends
Context:
Team LDLC is the oldest active esports team in France and the organisation’s ownership cited the failure to attract wider public attention as the reason for the decision to exit the competitive gaming market.
Comment:
“While the teams benefit from a considerable reputation and recognition among gaming enthusiasts, they have not, despite their best efforts, managed to carve out a sufficient positioning among the general public,” LDLC said in a statement.
Coming next:
For organisations remaining in the esports space, there is pressure to establish a revenue model that is less reliant on sponsorship income and offers sustainable growth for investors, many of whom were drawn to competitive gaming after it garnered extra attention during the pandemic.