Royal Never Give Up (RNG), a major esports organization in China, is experiencing significant financial challenges that have led to an unprecedented situation in the League of Legends Development League (LDL). Since the start of the most recent LDL season, both of RNG’s academy teams have been unable to participate in their matches, resulting in a series of forfeits.

This development has raised concerns within the esports community, given RNG's strong reputation and history of success in talent development. Observers are now questioning the broader implications for the organization and the future of Chinese esports.

RNG's ongoing money troubles

RNG is experiencing significant financial distress after being fined over 160 million yuan (about $22 million) by the Shanghai No.1 Intermediate People’s Court in July 2025. The organization is now formally recognized as a high-risk defaulter in public court records, which marks a serious escalation of its financial status within the Chinese esports industry.

Key financial and legal challenges:

• Wage payments owed to staff and players
• Disputes over contracts and player agreements
• Pending payments to commercial partners
• Transferred debts involving related entities
• Ongoing player arbitration proceedings

A court notice details that RNG has failed to meet mandatory debt repayments, prompting enforced execution orders. This indicates the organization did not satisfy prior obligations, resulting in legal measures to encourage compliance.

The table below outlines some core legal issues RNG faces:

Issue	Description
Unpaid wages	Players and staff not compensated
Contractual disputes	Ongoing legal disagreements
Unpaid partnerships	Missed payments to partners
Debt transfers	Debts moved between related firms
Player arbitration	Multiple unresolved cases

Public legal records and industry commentary suggest that these unresolved problems have pushed RNG into a precarious financial position.

RNG Withdraws from All LDL Matches

Royal Never Give Up (RNG) has failed to participate in every League of Legends Development League (LDL) match since the start of Split 3, including games scheduled against its own academy roster. This development has caught many by surprise, as RNG has long been recognized for its strong focus on nurturing young talent through its youth system.

Key Issues Impacting RNG in the LDL:

Problem Area	Description
Financial instability	Wide reports of salary delays to both stars and support staff
Contract disputes	Ongoing disagreements with past players and coaching staff
Unpaid business fees	Outstanding payments due to former commercial partners

These financial setbacks have forced both of RNG’s secondary teams to forfeit every fixture. Even the anticipated matchup between RNG’s two second squads resulted in dual forfeiture. The organization’s lack of public statements regarding potential restructuring or plans for the future has left many fans uncertain about what comes next.

RNG’s Recent Performance Snapshot:

• Has not qualified for the current LPL split
• Forfeited every LDL matchup in Split 3
• Ongoing rumors regarding sale of its LPL spot and possible organizational closure

With a decorated history that includes multiple international and domestic titles, RNG’s ongoing financial crisis and absence from competition mark an uncertain period for the once-dominant team.