Esports organization Team Liquid has initiated a new wave of global layoffs affecting employees across multiple departments. Workers received their notices on August 26. The exact number of dismissed staff is currently unknown, but this marks the club's third large-scale restructuring in the past year, following previous rounds of layoffs in September 2025 and March 2026.
The primary reason for the cuts was a revision of financial forecasts and a reduction in projected revenue, driven by macroeconomic challenges and global shifts in the gaming market. The situation was significantly exacerbated by tournament financial results: at the 2026 Esports World Cup, the club placed 5th, earning $2 million, whereas in 2025, Team Liquid claimed the championship title and $4 million in prize money.
Sources cite the loss of a title sponsor as the turning point that triggered this period of financial and internal uncertainty. In May 2025, the multi-year partnership with Honda was prematurely terminated. The deal was severed due to a controversial post made by a player from the Rainbow Six Siege division.
Official representatives of Team Liquid have declined to comment on the new restructuring. According to sources, a significant portion of employment contracts within the organization will expire at the end of September. Meanwhile, contractors and employees whose agreements are ending will receive financial compensation strictly for the hours they have actually worked.
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