• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 03:09
CEST 09:09
KST 16:09
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL22] Ro8 Preview: In A Tizzy9[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Holy Diver5[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Rough Waters10[ASL22] Ro24 Preview: Siren's Call8[ASL22] Ro24 Preview: Summer's End9
Community News
Weekly Cups (Sep 13-20): herO scores triple2BSL Season 237Weekly Cups (Sep 7-12): SHIN, ByuN, MaxPax double down1StarCraft open world shooter announced at BlizzCon101Weekly Cups (Aug 30-Sep 7): herO thrives amid growing schism10
StarCraft 2
General
Learn Practical SEO and Digital Marketing Skills Balance hotfix patch 5.0.16b (July 16) Weekly Cups (Sep 13-20): herO scores triple Blizzard Classic Cup @ BlizzCon 2026 - $100k prize pool How do you feel about the StarCraft shooter announcement at BlizzCon 2026?
Tourneys
Master Swan Open (Global Bronze-Master 2) Stellar Fest TWO the Moon (Dec 16-20) Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament 2026 GSTL Announcement RSL Revival: Season 6 - Qualifiers and Main Event
Strategy
[H] ZvP Mid-Late Game: Stalkers Collossi HT
Custom Maps
[M] (2) Frigid Storage
External Content
Mutation # 544 Double Trouble The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 543 Enhanced Defenses Mutation # 542 The Ascended
Brood War
General
Bot on ladder PLAYzone Challenge - open offline tour in Prague BSL Season 23 BW General Discussion NaDa's Body
Tourneys
PLAYzone Challenge - open offline tour in Prague [ASL22] Ro8 Day 2 [ASL22] Ro16 Group D [ASL22] Ro8 Day 1
Strategy
Cliff Jump Revisited (1 in a 1000 strategy) Replay Review Process - What do you do? Simple Questions, Simple Answers Odyssey Mineral Stack Saturation
Other Games
General Games
Nintendo Switch Thread Diablo IV Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread EVE Corporation
Dota 2
Dota 2 Champions League Season 3 Begins April 25! Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
[TL LoL EUW IHs] Teemo shall perish
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Artificial Intelligence Thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine All you football fans (soccer)!
Fan Clubs
MarineLorD Fan Club The Creator Fan Club The ShoWTimE Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece Diablo Animated Series on Netflix
Sports
Football (Soccer) Thread TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 MLB/Baseball 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
Recent Gifted Posts
Blogs
Gaming Intensity, Problemati…
TrAiDoS
38 yo Retired SWE loo…
PurE)Rabbit-SF
Can Bots Beat Pros?? Starcr…
namkraft
[meme] I finally understa…
LUCKY_NOOB
Regacy Esports:Our Goa…
regacyesports
Dreaming of BW patches (mod…
c3rberUs
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 8818 users

Why StarCraft Needs Team Leagues - ESH

Forum Index > SC2 General
Post a Reply
1 2 3 Next All
mikkmagro
Profile Joined April 2011
Malta1513 Posts
April 13 2014 08:47 GMT
#1
Why StarCraft Needs Team Leagues by ploguidic3

I share this author's views in that the lack of a premier western tournament (or a western proleague of sorts) is detrimental to SC2, especially since far fewer players get opportunities to get support. A fanbase that rallies to teams and not just players is also important for sponsorship opportunities. It is well worth a read!

Historically speaking Korea has always had the all important Proleague, an ongoing team league, and the individual leagues (otherwise known as star leagues). Although the star leagues offered more individual money and prestige than Proleague's team emphasis allowed, the individual leagues always played second fiddle to Proleague in terms of important for the team, and sponsorship dollars.


Due to the fact that team leagues are no longer important, we see teams like Dignitas that are unable to field a roster for a best of seven.

There is currently no real incentive for teams to develop the kind of roster needed to compete in a team environment. Shifting money into a team leagues would create an incentive for teams to do this. If Europe and North America had a premiere team league to call their own, one could expect an explosion of growth in terms of roster depth and new talent.


Looking at the success of LCS, DOTA 2, and Counterstrike GO it is clear that audiences are hungry for team oriented competitions. This is supported by the fact that Proleague gets significantly more viewership in Korea than the GSL. A premiere team league has the potential to capitalize on the audiences hunger to see powerful teams collide.


The increased significance of teams plus the stability offered by a team league are clear immediate benefits that would be brought about by having premiere North American and European team leagues. The team leagues would also encourage foreign organizations to take Starcraft more seriously, because the individual stars shine so much brighter than the team from which they hail it can make teams view having a Starcraft squad as a burden as much as an asset. Team leagues can help a team leverage it's Starcraft roster into a financial asset.
mousesports, Team Acer, Fnatic!
GumBa
Profile Blog Joined July 2012
United Kingdom31935 Posts
April 13 2014 09:00 GMT
#2
Completly agree. Thats why I support ATC alot because it kinda THE western teamleague at the moment.
To all the haters: you deserve to witness many, many more Serral victories, worthy of the godlike player he is.
Serimek
Profile Joined August 2011
France2274 Posts
Last Edited: 2014-04-13 09:20:13
April 13 2014 09:17 GMT
#3
I'd love ESL to create their own team league, more or less like GSTL used to be, into their German studio. It would be perfect and most of the best non-Korean teams can participate in an European based league.

Actually, except EG, Root and the Chinese/Taiwanese teams, I can't see any "big" team that can't have players in Europe to play offline on a regular basis.
SC2 is the best game to watch and was the best to play before I grew old and slow...
nkr
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Sweden5451 Posts
April 13 2014 09:19 GMT
#4
idno, i feel the team aspect of sc2 drives the need for exposure more than results, leaving us with the current climate where a demuslim is worth more than oz to a team

the more players that are able to secure personal deals, the better in my eyes
ESPORTS ILLUMINATI
Serimek
Profile Joined August 2011
France2274 Posts
April 13 2014 09:23 GMT
#5
On April 13 2014 18:19 nkr wrote:
idno, i feel the team aspect of sc2 drives the need for exposure more than results, leaving us with the current climate where a demuslim is worth more than oz to a team

the more players that are able to secure personal deals, the better in my eyes


Personal deals are good for "star" players, maybe, but what for new comers then ?
SC2 is the best game to watch and was the best to play before I grew old and slow...
nkr
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Sweden5451 Posts
April 13 2014 09:25 GMT
#6
On April 13 2014 18:23 Serimek wrote:
Show nested quote +
On April 13 2014 18:19 nkr wrote:
idno, i feel the team aspect of sc2 drives the need for exposure more than results, leaving us with the current climate where a demuslim is worth more than oz to a team

the more players that are able to secure personal deals, the better in my eyes


Personal deals are good for "star" players, maybe, but what for new comers then ?


I don't know to be honest, but something is rotten in StarCraft 2. I don't see bad (in comparison) players get the nod over the skilled ones in LoL, Dota2 or CS:GO.
ESPORTS ILLUMINATI
HsDLTitich
Profile Blog Joined October 2012
Italy831 Posts
Last Edited: 2014-04-13 09:42:36
April 13 2014 09:39 GMT
#7
On April 13 2014 18:17 Serimek wrote:
I'd love ESL to create their own team league, more or less like GSTL used to be, into their German studio. It would be perfect and most of the best non-Korean teams can participate in an European based league.

Actually, except EG, Root and the Chinese/Taiwanese teams, I can't see any "big" team that can't have players in Europe to play offline on a regular basis.


ESL runs (ran?) the Euro Series http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/ESL_Euro_Series
I used to organize tournaments for ESL Italy and referee Go4SC2s, WCSs, and IEMs for ESL SC2.
Serimek
Profile Joined August 2011
France2274 Posts
April 13 2014 09:48 GMT
#8
On April 13 2014 18:39 HsDLTitich wrote:
Show nested quote +
On April 13 2014 18:17 Serimek wrote:
I'd love ESL to create their own team league, more or less like GSTL used to be, into their German studio. It would be perfect and most of the best non-Korean teams can participate in an European based league.

Actually, except EG, Root and the Chinese/Taiwanese teams, I can't see any "big" team that can't have players in Europe to play offline on a regular basis.


ESL runs (ran?) the Euro Series http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/ESL_Euro_Series


Nothing close to a GSTL-esque tournament
SC2 is the best game to watch and was the best to play before I grew old and slow...
mikkmagro
Profile Joined April 2011
Malta1513 Posts
April 13 2014 10:12 GMT
#9
On April 13 2014 18:39 HsDLTitich wrote:
Show nested quote +
On April 13 2014 18:17 Serimek wrote:
I'd love ESL to create their own team league, more or less like GSTL used to be, into their German studio. It would be perfect and most of the best non-Korean teams can participate in an European based league.

Actually, except EG, Root and the Chinese/Taiwanese teams, I can't see any "big" team that can't have players in Europe to play offline on a regular basis.


ESL runs (ran?) the Euro Series http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/ESL_Euro_Series

It doesn't seem as though that will continue for SC2. The Euro Series Spring 2014 is already underway for LoL, so its very doubtful there will be one for SC2 anymore.
mousesports, Team Acer, Fnatic!
ejozl
Profile Joined October 2010
Denmark3550 Posts
April 13 2014 10:20 GMT
#10
Yes, I agree more teamleagues and more 2v2. 1v1 is good, but having more variance is only better.
SC2 Archon needs "Terrible, terrible damage" as one of it's quotes.
Dingodile
Profile Joined December 2011
4139 Posts
Last Edited: 2014-04-13 10:31:21
April 13 2014 10:26 GMT
#11
yeah and we need one ot two regional (!) tournament yearly like WCS EU/KR/NA 2012.

edit: I disagree that ProLeauge has more viewers than GSL (twitch numbers).
Grubby | ToD | Moon | Lyn | Sky
monx1e
Profile Joined June 2010
Spain37 Posts
April 13 2014 11:04 GMT
#12
I can't agree more. Here in Spain we've done a proleague format with 8 teams, and it has had impressive numbers on the stream. In addition to this, I feel it has increased sc2's exposure and fanbase here, revitalizing the scene.

Something bigger from the ESL would definately be good news, although I don't know how would teams adapt to an offline regular season format. ATC is really trying to help develop this kind of aspect of the game, but I would personally love an offline regular season.
Meavis
Profile Blog Joined September 2011
Netherlands1300 Posts
April 13 2014 11:34 GMT
#13
can we have a clan ladder now ? :3
"Not you."
therabit
Profile Joined August 2011
795 Posts
April 13 2014 11:36 GMT
#14
I totally agree, I pretty much only follow Proleague now
StarStruck
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
25339 Posts
April 13 2014 11:44 GMT
#15
We technically have them, but from my standpoint they're all bush league.
coloursheep
Profile Joined May 2011
China497 Posts
April 13 2014 11:55 GMT
#16
On April 13 2014 18:25 nkr wrote:
Show nested quote +
On April 13 2014 18:23 Serimek wrote:
On April 13 2014 18:19 nkr wrote:
idno, i feel the team aspect of sc2 drives the need for exposure more than results, leaving us with the current climate where a demuslim is worth more than oz to a team

the more players that are able to secure personal deals, the better in my eyes


Personal deals are good for "star" players, maybe, but what for new comers then ?


I don't know to be honest, but something is rotten in StarCraft 2. I don't see bad (in comparison) players get the nod over the skilled ones in LoL, Dota2 or CS:GO.


I could not care less about any of those games but maybe it is because SC is 1v1 not 5v5 individual players stand out much more so personalities have a more important role
s.a.y
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
Croatia3840 Posts
April 13 2014 12:06 GMT
#17
I would be nice if teamliquid would host such a tournament. With TSL 5 missing it could fill the spot quite nicely. Even if there would be no prizes, the games would still have a lot of weight and lots of viewers. With the liquid HQ near Take's place, they could hold the finals there.
I am not good with quotes
TAMinator
Profile Joined February 2011
Australia2706 Posts
April 13 2014 12:22 GMT
#18
They need a serious team league that incorporates at least 1 game of 2v2, and with as diverse a team lineup as possible (global teams, not just koreans). I know I personally would find that much more interesting to watch.
TheVictornator
Profile Joined December 2013
United Kingdom16 Posts
April 13 2014 12:39 GMT
#19
I completely agree. It could definitely help stop the current Starcraft "slump"- as the guy from the article put it.
SCguineapig
Profile Blog Joined January 2013
Netherlands289 Posts
Last Edited: 2014-04-13 12:41:55
April 13 2014 12:41 GMT
#20
would love to see a team league. perhaps throw some 4v4's in there. i think seeing 2 teams with 4 players fight it out in a 4v4 match would attract a lot of views. at least it is something other then 1v1 for a change.
broodwar wasn't perfect
1 2 3 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 2h 51m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft: Brood War
Britney 2355
sorry 78
Shinee 62
Bale 30
NaDa 29
ajuk12(nOOB) 12
Dota 2
XaKoH 284
NeuroSwarm176
League of Legends
JimRising 600
Other Games
summit1g10359
ceh9372
Happy345
PiGStarcraft218
Sick149
Maynarde139
Livibee130
Mew2King82
crisheroes70
UpATreeSC43
Organizations
Dota 2
PGL Dota 2 - Main Stream4506
Other Games
gamesdonequick620
StarCraft: Brood War
Afreeca ASL 488
[ Show 13 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• mYiSmile112
• Letter147
• LUISG 3
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• Migwel
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Dota 2
• lizZardDota2166
League of Legends
• Lourlo1388
Upcoming Events
The PondCast
2h 51m
Replay Cast
16h 51m
Korean StarCraft League
1d 20h
CranKy Ducklings
2 days
GSL
3 days
Yamato Cup
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
Afreeca Starleague
4 days
Soma vs Jaedong
WardiTV Weekly
4 days
Monday Night Weeklies
4 days
[ Show More ]
Sparkling Tuna Cup
5 days
Afreeca Starleague
5 days
Leta vs Soulkey
PiGosaur Cup
5 days
Kung Fu Cup
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Super Anchor Qualifying S3
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Big Dog Cup 2026 Div 1

Ongoing

ASL Season 22
CSL 2026 AUTUMN (S22)
Acropolis #5
Acropolis #5 - GSA
Calamity Invitational
Logitech G Play Connect 2026
SL StarSeries Fall 2026
FISSURE Playground #3
BLAST Open Fall 2026
Esports World Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
Stake Ranked Episode 3
XSE Pro League 2026

Upcoming

Acropolis #5 - GSB
Acropolis #5 - GSC
BSL Season 23
SC4ALL II: Brood War
BSL 23: Non-Korean Championship
HSC XXX
Stellar Fest 2: Lunar Cup
SC4ALL II: StarCraft II
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
RSL Offline Finals
Custodian Cup
Copium Cup
PGL Major Singapore 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 6
BLAST Rivals Fall 2026
IEM Beijing 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 5
PGL Masters Bucharest 2026
1win Private Club #2
Thunderpick World Champ. '26
ESL Pro League Season 24
Stake Ranked Episode 4
1win Private Club #1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.