The North American Challengers League (NACL) is back for its Summer Split, bringing a fresh competitive structure, new organizations, and high-stakes battles for LCS promotion. Starting Thursday, July 16, the NACL will feature a revamped Group Stage Format designed to sharpen competition and create more meaningful matches from day one. With the top two playoff teams earning a shot at the LCS Promotion Tournament, every game matters more than ever.
New Teams Enter the Fray
The Summer Split welcomes both familiar faces and a brand-new organization. Blue Otter successfully defended its NACL spot in the Promotion Tournament, while Contingent Esports earned its place through the Open Qualifiers. Cupid Esports joins the league as a fresh addition, marking an exciting expansion of the NACL ecosystem. These teams will compete alongside returning squads in a quest for LCS glory.
Revamped Group Stage Format
Based on community and team feedback, the NACL is introducing a two-group system for the regular season. Here's how it works:
Two groups of five teams each compete in a cross-group single round-robin of Best-of-Three (Bo3) matches.
The top three teams from each group advance to Summer Playoffs, with seeding determined by group standings.
The bottom two teams from each group face off in a Last Chance Qualifier Bo3 for the final two playoff spots.
The losing teams from the Last Chance Qualifier enter the NACL Promotion Tournament to defend their slots.
Additionally, the top two teams from Spring Playoffs—Conviction and CGG Esports—serve as Draft Captains to assign teams into groups. Conviction, as Spring champions, earned first pick in the draft.
Playoffs and LCS Promotion
The Summer Playoffs feature a double-elimination bracket with a mix of Bo3 and Best-of-Five (Bo5) series. Seeding advantages go to teams from the group with the highest total wins, adding an extra layer of strategy to the regular season. The top two teams from playoffs will advance to the LCS Promotion Tournament, where they'll challenge the defending Guest Team, Disguised, for a spot in the LCS.
Key Format Changes and Start Time
To improve viewership and accommodate team schedules, the NACL start time has been shifted to 2:00 PM PDT. All matches will continue to use Fearless Draft and First Selection, ensuring dynamic and strategic gameplay. The next NACL Open Qualifier is scheduled for early 2027, giving aspiring teams a clear path to enter the league.
How to Watch
All NACL action will be broadcast live on Twitch.tv/NACL and YouTube.com/@NACL starting July 16. For the latest news, highlights, and dedicated coverage, follow @watchNACL on X (formerly Twitter). With LCS promotion at stake, this split promises intense competition and unforgettable moments.
Source: Riot Games — 2026 NACL Summer Split Primer (lolesports.com)
