Gumayusi’s Contract with T1 Draws Attention
As fans of T1 and the global League of Legends community eagerly awaited news, T1 officially announced that Gumayusi is the next player to extend his contract for the upcoming season. However, there is a peculiar detail: Gumayusi’s contract is only valid for one year.
Previously, players like Keria and Oner signed contracts for two years. Gumayusi himself has repeatedly expressed his love for T1. Therefore, when it was confirmed that Gumayusi would stay at least until the end of 2025, the specifics of the contract quickly became a topic of discussion. Many have expressed confusion as to why Gumayusi does not wish to commit for a longer period with T1.
What Explains the “Strange” Contract Between T1 and Gumayusi?
First and foremost, it’s essential to emphasize that Gumayusi is not a player who needs to prove himself further. He came up through T1’s ranks and has secured a position on the first team. Additionally, Gumayusi has achieved back-to-back World Championship titles, one LCK championship, and numerous runner-up finishes. His talent is indisputable.
Thus, Gumayusi’s bargaining power is likely at a higher level compared to many contemporaries, or even when placed alongside other superstars, he may hold a higher status. Gumayusi has the right to negotiate terms that reflect his worth in relation to T1’s offers.
Therefore, a one-year contract allows both him and T1 to assess progress at each stage. It keeps Gumayusi from being tied down while also preventing T1 from having to allocate a colossal budget to retain the “Prince.”
Given Gumayusi’s close relationship with Faker, it’s understandable that the “Demon King” may have influenced Gumayusi’s decision. Faker’s current contract is also reviewed and renewed annually. It’s possible that Gumayusi’s contract follows a similar pattern. Recently, “the Prince” joined Fanable, Faker’s management company, suggesting that Faker is not only a senior but also a role model for Gumayusi.
Moreover, while T1 has been reported as the only profitable esports team, money is still a crucial factor. T1 also needs to negotiate Zeus’s contract during this transfer period. Some suggest that “Gumayusi and T1 may have reached an agreement that benefits both sides while allowing T1 to manage other expenses to maintain the ZOFGK roster.”
The T1 roster has attracted more sponsorship and increased its reputation following recent World Championship victories. However, no one can guarantee that T1 will win the World Championship in 2025 or secure any title. Consequently, the team must plan for the long term, ensuring that players are not deprived while also maintaining the team’s budget and adhering to LCK salary caps.
Furthermore, no one knows the exact details of Gumayusi’s contract. However, if he agreed to sign, it suggests that Gumayusi himself found the terms reasonable. Thus, we can understand that while this contract may seem “strange,” it is not contrary to common sense.