After reaching a consensus with Qin Feng on the strategic patience for the World Finals, Lin Haoming did not slow down his pace.
As the CEO of Star Sea Live, he deeply understood the importance of content for the platform, and top professional teams and their players were undoubtedly the most dazzling and traffic-attracting core assets in the esports content ecosystem.
An idea gradually formed in his mind, and he once again communicated with Qin Feng via phone.
"President Qin, I have an idea I'd like to discuss with you," Lin Haoming's voice came through the phone, carrying a hint of long-brewing excitement.
"Star Sea Live needs benchmark content creators. I think, instead of relying entirely on external signings, we should build a benchmark ourselves.
I plan to form a team belonging to Star Sea Live."
On the other end of the phone, Qin Feng raised an eyebrow slightly, not surprised.
Capital intervention in club operations was an inevitable development in esports, and a live streaming platform directly forming a team could better achieve a closed loop of traffic and content.
But he thought on a deeper level.
"That's a very good idea, President Lin," Qin Feng first affirmed, then his tone shifted, becoming serious and solemn, "However, one point must be clear—this team must maintain a strict demarcation from Riot Games itself."
"Oh? President Qin, please elaborate," Lin Haoming became serious.
"The reason is simple," Qin Feng explained, "I am both a game operator and an event organizer.
If I directly own or am deeply associated with a team, then in the future, regardless of the team's performance, it will inevitably lead to questions of fairness.
Even if we act with the utmost impartiality, it won't withstand public suspicion.
This would be a devastating blow to the credibility of the game and the events."
He paused, then offered clear advice: "So, your Star Sea Team can be affiliated with Star Sea Live, serving as a content asset and brand extension of the platform.
But in terms of legal and operational entities, it must be independent.
Our Riot Games will always maintain an impartial third-party stance towards all teams in the future.
This is the bottom line."
Lin Haoming instantly understood the implications, and his admiration for Qin Feng's vision and foresight grew.
"I understand, President Qin.
I will strictly adhere to this, ensuring the team operates independently and maintains a clear boundary with Riot Games."
"Very good," Qin Feng's tone softened, and he began to offer advice to Lin Haoming, "Since you're going to form a team, I suggest you start with the following aspects; this might achieve multiple benefits."
"First, player sources.
There's no need to pursue famous players from the start; they are expensive and have fixed styles.
You can have your team's scouts pay more attention to top-ranked solo queue players on various servers, especially those 'uncut gems' with sharp mechanics, potential, but who haven't yet been discovered by the professional system.
Signing costs are relatively low, and if they can be nurtured, their loyalty and newsworthiness will be higher."
"Second, initial exposure.
After the team is formed, don't rush into closed-door training.
Let them participate in various popular amateur competitions, online platform tournaments, and even university leagues."
Qin Feng specifically emphasized, "Participate under the name of Star Sea Team.
This will allow the team to gel through actual combat, accumulate match experience, and at the same time, it's an excellent opportunity for publicity."
At this point, Qin Feng's thinking became clearer; he saw the deeper strategic significance behind this move.
"And the most crucial point is the third one," Qin Feng's voice carried a guiding smile, "In these amateur competitions that the team participates in, your Star Sea Live can naturally become the exclusive live broadcast sponsor.
This way:
First, the platform gains a large number of low-cost, highly relevant exposure opportunities, directly reaching core esports users and driving traffic to the platform.
Second, the Star Sea Team, through participation and exposure, can quickly accumulate popularity and fans, making a name for themselves.
Third, and most importantly—"
Qin Feng paused slightly, revealing his true intention:
"I need you, with the Star Sea Team, a team directly supported by capital and possessing a certain level of popularity, to ignite the enthusiasm of more capital and businesses to form teams."
Lin Haoming held his breath on the other end of the phone; he vaguely grasped a corner of Qin Feng's grand blueprint.
"Currently, while there are many amateur competitions, most teams are spontaneously formed by players, lacking stability and commercial support," Qin Feng continued to elaborate, "If an investor with strength like you personally steps in to form a legitimate team, and actively participates in various competitions, achieving good results, creating a demonstration effect... what will other observing capital think?
They will see that investing in esports teams is not just about passion; it is inherently a commercial activity with brand promotion and traffic acquisition value."
"When more and more capital begins to pour in, forming more standardized and capable clubs..." Qin Feng's tone carried a predictive certainty, "Our Riot Games official will then naturally be able to launch the next stage of competitions—the National Team Invitational, or what we can call the Professional League Qualifiers."
"At that time, we will set certain entry thresholds (such as team registered capital, base requirements, player contract standards, etc.), and invite these legitimate clubs with capital backgrounds that have proven themselves in amateur competitions to participate.
This will be a crucial step for us towards a fully professional league!
And you, President Lin, and your Star Sea Team, will be the trailblazers and living advertisements for this path to professionalization."
After listening to Qin Feng's profound yet easy-to-understand analysis, Lin Haoming's mind suddenly opened up!
He had originally only wanted to form a team to generate content for the platform, but he never expected that, under Qin Feng's design, this move would be connected to the advancement of the entire Chinese league of legends professionalization process!
This was not just killing three birds with one stone; this was a brilliant move that activated the entire situation!
"Brilliant! President Qin, I completely understand!" Lin Haoming's voice was filled with excitement, "I know what to do.
First, sign solo queue players, play in amateur competitions, use live stream sponsorships to expand influence, attract more capital, and pave the way for your professional league!"
"Exactly.
This is a big game, and your Star Sea Team will be a crucial piece on the board," Qin Feng affirmed, "Go ahead and do it.
Within the bounds of the rules, Riot Games will provide a fair competitive environment for all teams aspiring to be professional."
The call ended, and Lin Haoming's heart was surging.
He was no longer just the CEO of a live streaming platform; he felt he had become a participant and promoter of a grand historical process.
He immediately gathered his team and began to deploy the formation of the Star Sea Team.
And Qin Feng, on his strategic map, gently placed a piece named "Professionalization Enlightenment."
Beneath the clamor of amateur competitions, a revolution aimed at reshaping the landscape of Chinese esports was quietly brewing.