Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has become the official automotive partner of China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL), replacing Mercedes-Benz ahead of the 2026 season.

The partnership was announced by the LPL on social media. In its announcement, the league said BYD would become an official partner of the competition and highlighted the shared focus on youth culture, passion, and innovation. However, neither BYD nor the LPL disclosed the financial terms of the agreement. The two parties also did not reveal the duration of the partnership or provide details on the specific rights included in the deal.

As a result, it remains unclear whether the partnership will involve traditional sponsorship assets beyond logo placement on broadcasts, such as naming rights for segments, on-site vehicle displays at LPL events, exclusive digital content or other brand integration opportunities. More details regarding the scope and activation plans of the partnership are expected to be announced at a later date.

League of Legends esports said in an official statement (translated from Chinese), “From today onwards, BYD officially becomes the official partner of the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), bringing a new wave of power to the LPL in the new energy era! On the field, crowned with strength; on the journey together, led by passion; together with BYD, resonating with youthful attitudes through competitive passion, standing at the forefront of the times with hardcore strength, and writing the next passionate story for young people.”

Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) will return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder edition, taking place across 18–21 June in Cologne, Germany, alongside IEM Cologne. The schedule and details about ticket sales are available in this link.

Before BYD, Mercedes-Benz was the official partner of the LPL. The German automaker first sponsored the league in 2018 and became the competition’s chief partner in 2019. Mercedes-Benz had remained one of the LPL’s most prominent sponsors for more than eight years.

However, when LPL operator TJ Sports announced the sponsor lineup for the 2026 LPL First Season which included seven brands—JD.com, Li-Ning, Durex, Skymotor, TCL, Warhorse, and AutoFull—Mercedes-Benz, along with smartphone manufacturer OPPO, was notably absent from the list.

BYD isn’t the only Chinese automaker making moves in esports. Just a month ago, OMODA, a brand under Chery Automobile, signed a multi-year partnership with Riot Games, becoming the first-ever Official Automotive Partner of VALORANT Esports EMEA.

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