You are seeing a notable shift in the League of Legends Pro League’s commercial landscape. On June 5, the LPL confirmed that Chinese automaker BYD will join the league as an official partner for the 2026 season.
With this move, you witness the first time a domestic Chinese automotive brand secures a formal partnership within the competition. The agreement signals a new phase in how the LPL aligns with major brands in China’s automotive sector.
LPL and BYD: A Homegrown Automotive Alliance
You see a clear domestic shift as the LPL secures BYD as its new automotive partner for 2026. The agreement centers on BYD’s Ocean series, the company’s division dedicated to new energy vehicles, including fully electric and plug‑in hybrid models.
BYD enters this deal as one of China’s most established car manufacturers. In 2025 alone, it delivered more than 4.5 million vehicles, with around 1 million units sold overseas, reflecting its expanding international footprint.
This move follows the end of Mercedes‑Benz’s long-standing involvement, which began in 2018. The league also parted ways with brands such as OPPO and Intel, marking a noticeable contraction compared to 2021, when the LPL listed 15 sponsors.
BYD steps into that opening at a strategic moment. You can view this partnership as both a commercial replacement and a targeted effort to connect with younger audiences who follow esports closely. The campaign message — “Riding the waves with the wind, joining hands toward the summit” — reinforces themes of progress and shared ambition.
With BYD onboard, TJ Sports now works with eight partners:
- BYD (automotive, new energy focus)
- JD (Jing Dong) – e-commerce
- Li-Ning – apparel
- Durex – consumer goods
- Skymotor – electric scooters
- TCL – electronics and appliances
- Warhorse – energy drink
- AutoFull – gaming chairs
You also see this partnership unfold during a period of renewed competitive momentum. BiliBili Gaming secured the First Stand title earlier this season, while Team WE stands one series away from qualifying for the Mid-Season Invitational.
Commercial rebuilding and on-stage results now progress side by side.
