Riot Games has unveiled new residency rules for the League of Legends’ CBLOL and LCS, effectively dissolving the ‘Americas’ residency category introduced for the now-defunct LTA (Americas League).

The changes, which take effect for the 2026 season, are designed to clarify player statuses following the dissolution of the LTA and a return to the region’s previous residency model. The update primarily addresses the status of players who competed under the ‘Americas’ designation and introduces a temporary dual-residency for LATAM competitors.

The overhaul means the “Americas” residency slot will be removed entirely. Players who competed under this category in 2025 will now be considered residents of the league in which they played—either Brazil’s CBLOL or North America’s LCS. They will retain this residency status until they return to their original home region. Furthermore, a significant temporary measure has been introduced for players from the LATAM region, excluding Brazil.

According to the announcement, LATAM players will have dual-residency and will be eligible to compete as non-imports in both the CBLOL and the LCS for the next two competitive seasons. However, from 2028 onwards, these players must select one of the two regions as their permanent residency and will no longer be considered residents of the other.

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The rule changes signal a return to the system that predated the LTA. Teams in both the CBLOL and LCS will once again be required to field rosters comprising at least three residents from their respective league, with maximum of two import players. LATAM organisations, like LEVIATAN and LYON, that previously participated in the LATAM league will now be classified as either CBLOL or LCS organisations.

This structural shift reverts the regional competitive landscape back to its pre-LTA format, ending the experimental cross-regional residency model. The move provides long-term clarity for team roster construction while offering a two-year adjustment period for affected LATAM players to establish their competitive careers within the two major leagues of the Americas.

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