BLAST Premier, one of the leading tournament circuits in Counter-Strike, is set to expand its reach and influence with the addition of four new teams in the 2024 season.
This expansion represents a significant shift in the league’s structure, gearing up for a fully open circuit in 2025.
A Strategic Growth to 16 Member Teams
BLAST Premier’s decision to increase its roster from 12 to 16 teams comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance its competitive landscape. The four new teams, described as one-year affiliate partners, will join the circuit ahead of the Spring Groups at the end of January.
Evil Geniuses’ Slot Acquisition: A Catalyst for Change
The expansion follows the recent acquisition of Evil Geniuses’ BLAST Premier membership by Cloud9 for an undisclosed fee. This transaction not only showcased the high demand for BLAST Premier membership but also paved the way for the introduction of new teams into the fold.
Financial Dynamics of the Expansion
BLAST Premier expects each of the four new membership spots to be sold for a minimum of $350,000, with payments due in the first quarter of 2024. Given the anticipated high demand for these slots, BLAST will select new members based on the pricing offered and the payment terms.
Revenue Share and Prize Money Distribution
While the new affiliate members will be eligible to earn prize money based on their tournament results, they will not be entitled to a share of the revenue generated by BLAST Premier. This distinction underscores the unique status of these teams within the league’s framework.
BLAST Premier’s Evolving League Composition
The addition of these teams marks the first major expansion of the BLAST Premier circuit since its inception at the end of 2019. Over the past four years, the league has seen significant changes, with teams like BIG and Heroic acquiring slots previously held by 100 Thieves and MIBR, respectively.
Valve’s 2025 Open-Circuit Mandate
Looking ahead to 2025, Valve’s announcement mandating an open-circuit setup for Counter-Strike tournaments will bring further changes. BLAST Premier, in its response, has expressed a commitment to adapting to this new landscape while continuing to innovate and expand its global reach in tier-one Counter-Strike.
In a statement, BLAST Premier reaffirmed its dedication to being an integral part of the Counter-Strike scene, emphasizing its enthusiasm for innovating the esports viewing experience and taking its tournaments worldwide.
As BLAST Premier gears up for its expanded 2024 season, the esports community eagerly anticipates the fresh dynamics and heightened competition that these new teams will bring to the league.
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