Full translation of KeSPA Release
The Korean e-Sports Association has come to agreement with all of the pro-gaming teams to form an eight team system for the upcoming Proleague season to ensure the activities of more players. The Association as decided to be the acting manager of an 8th pro-gaming team, formed from the key members of the three teams that disbanded after the 10-11 season (FOX, OZ, Hero).
The decision to act as proxy management for this team came from a desire to serve the greater good by allowing more pro-gamers to continue their activities, and operate the Proleague in a more stable manner. Alongside the proxy management of the 8th Pro-team, the Association is trying with all its ability to find a sponsor for this team, and plans to allow the creation of a new team as soon as possible, even if in mid-season. The 8th team is comprised of skilled players, and it is predicted that it will they will perform well in the 11-12 season and make it easier to find a party interested in acquisition during the season.
Next Season as an Eight Team System, KeSPA as Proxy Management of Eighth Team
From the disbanded teams, the top two players for each race by KeSPA ranking were first entered as 'protected' players for the 8th team, and will enter preparations for the next season at a team house that has been prepared at Itaewon-dong in Yongsan-gu [Central Seoul, pretty much right next to OGN studio]. Additionally, through an open draft on the 4th (Fri), Yum Bo Sung, Jeon Tae Yang, Kim Do Wook (Terrans), Lee Jae Dong, Park Joon Oh, Lee Byung Ryul (Zergs), and Kim Jae Hoon, Park Soo Bum, Ha Jaesang (Protoss) were selected for the 8th team.
The player's salary were determined after negotiation with players, taking into account data from the salary adjustment committee - which took last season's performances into account, and the salary levels of other pro-game teams. All player salaries were adjusted to higher levels than last season. Considering the future creation of a new official team, past championship winner Joo Hoon [Two time champion with SKT] has been appointed as head coach/manager, and Han Sang Yong has been accounted as coach of the 8th team.
An Open Posting Process to Decide the Destinations of Players
The Association and the pro-gaming teams held an 'open posting' on the 4th (Fri) to decide the destinations for the remaining players outside the 6 protected players. Of the 49 players belonging to the disbanded teams, 32 players were in the open posting, minus the six protected players and 11 players who desired to retire.
At the open posting, player selection was run through a bidding process, and seven teams (excluding ACE) participated. Each team was given an opportunity to select at least one player, so that many progamers would have opportunities to continue their progaming activities.
As a result of the open draft, Park Sung Gyun, Joo Seong Wook, Shin No Yeol, Bang Tae Soo, Lee Ye Hoon, Kim Joon Ho, Baek Dong Jun, and Kim Yoo Jin were selected by progame teams. Players that did not confirm entry into progaming teams are free to sign with any teams after the draft.
List of draftees
Mind -> KT
Wooki -> KT
RorO -> KHAN
Alone -> SKT
Sacsri -> SKT
herO[jOin] -> CJ
Dear -> STX
sHy -> Woongjin
KeSPA Run 8th Team
Sea
BaBy
Jaedong
Killer
Jaehoon
Tyson
Sang
Ryul2
Speed
Related Articles at Fomos
Fomos: Coach Joo Hoon spoke of his deeper role in trying to find a sponsor for the new team, not just acting as the head coach. He mentioned his past experience with 4U, the sponsorless team that would later become SK T1.
Fomos Global (English): Some players were not drafted through the posting system because of their high base salary. These players, including notable players like Midas, Ruby, and Hiya, are now free to negotiate with any of the teams for a new contract.