Global esports organisation Team Liquid has initiated a new round of global layoffs affecting staff across multiple departments, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The latest workforce reductions mark the third major internal restructuring for the multi-title club over the past year, following prior downsizing rounds reports from September 2025 and March 2026.

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According to sources, the decision stems from recalibrated financial forecasts and reduced revenue targets driven by a combination of macroeconomic headwinds and shifting commercial investments across the gaming market.

Competitive results at major events also contributed to the organisation’s revised financial outlook. While Team Liquid previously secured substantial payouts from top finishes at the Esports World Cup (EWC), including a $4 million club championship award in 2025, the club placed 5th in the 2026 EWC Club Championship, three spots lower than its previous finish and granting a $2 million prize instead.

Past commercial losses have also taken a toll, particularly the termination of Team Liquid’s major multi-year partnership with automaker Honda in May 2025. This was triggered by a controversial social media post by a player from the organisation’s Rainbow Six Siege team at the time, and was pointed by one source as the pivotal turning point that kicked off a period of growing uncertainty at Liquid. Based on conversations with individuals close to the situation, The Esports Radar understands that the fallout remains a highly sensitive topic, leaving a lasting, unsettling impression on both current staff and former employees.

How many people were affected across global divisions is still unclear, with many staff contracts still slated to expire at the end of September. Affected staff were notified of the decision on Wednesday, August 26. While internal emails indicated a support package would be made available to affected personnel, sources indicate that contractors and staff reaching contract expiration would only receive pay corresponding to hours worked.

When contacted by The Esports Radar for comment regarding the workforce reductions and internal restructuring, Team Liquid declined to comment at this time, though space remains open for the organisation to provide a statement.  The Esports Radar is actively investigating the full scope of the layoffs and will provide more info as details develop.

The shift comes despite strong top-line numbers, as Team Liquid Co-CEO Steve Arhancet revealed in May 2026 the organisation generated over $60 million in revenue last year and maintained profitability over the past three years.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated that Team Liquid made $5 million from its 2025 EWC Club Championship runner-up campaign. While $5 million was the runner-up prize in 2026, the award in 2025 was $4 million. The story has been updated accordingly.

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