The LCK league corporation and KeSPA officially announced on Friday the 12th the list of 31 individuals qualified to serve as 'LCK Certified Agents' for the 2025-2026 period.

Launched in 2022, the LCK Certified Agent program is designed to select and manage professionals with the specific expertise required to support smooth contract negotiations and signings for League of Legends esports players.

Unlike last year, the path to qualification this year involved a two-stage process. Candidates had to pass a qualification review in May, followed by a rigorous exam held on Monday, August 11th, to officially earn their status.

The exam was designed to sharpen the professional edge and distinctiveness of these agents, ensuring they are well-versed in protecting player rights and managing representation. The curriculum covered seven key areas across three subjects: ▲LCK Certified Agent Regulations ▲Agent Standard Contracts ▲LCK Integrated League Regulations ▲Esports Player Standard Contracts ▲Contract Law ▲National Sports Promotion Act ▲Sports Ethics. To pass, candidates needed to score at least 60 points in each subject. Out of 48 applicants this year, only 20 passed, resulting in a pass rate of approximately 42%.

The total pool of 31 agents, who will serve from the announcement date in 2025 until the next list is released in 2026, comprises 6 existing agents and 25 newly qualified individuals. Among them, 5 are family-member agents. The full list can be viewed at the official website.

Those who earned their LCK Certified Agent status this year are permitted to operate for up to two years. By paying an annual fee after the first year, an agent can extend their tenure by one year, though after the two-year validity period expires, the agent must undergo the full qualification process again, just like a newcomer.

Furthermore, a new 'LCK Certified Agent Misconduct Reporting Centre' has been established this year. This centre is designed to handle reports of misconduct between LCK team offices, players, coaching staff, and agents. Key reportable offenses include ▲unauthorized activities by non-certified individuals ▲contract violations such as side deals ▲tampering. KeSPA plans to bolster the fairness and effectiveness of the system by coordinating with the Esports Fair Committee.

In the meantime, LCK Certified Agents are tasked with representing LCK and LCK CL players and coaching staff in contract negotiations and salary adjustments (limited to one designated agent), as well as handling other revenue contract negotiations. This allows players to focus entirely on their gameplay while leveraging professional resources for marketing and contract needs. Should any disputes or violations arise, the league intervenes with active sanctions to protect the rights of both players and teams, ensuring a stable esports ecosystem. This entire framework is operated by KeSPA, leveraging their capacity as an esports governing body, with the LCK corporation acting as the supervisory authority.