Kha Y Tran Dplus KIA (DK) is facing one of the biggest crises in its history. The former League of Legends World Champion has delayed player salaries. At the same time, the organization is looking for a new owner.
The news shocked many esports fans. After all, DK was once one of the strongest teams in the world. Now, the organization must solve serious financial problems while trying to stay competitive.
DK admits delayed salary payments
According to Korean media, DK failed to pay player salaries for two months. Later, the organization paid one month’s wages. However, players are still waiting for one month of unpaid salary.
The problem does not affect only the League of Legends team. Instead, it reportedly involves every esports division under DK. These include:
- League of Legends
- VALORANT
- PUBG Mobile
- FC Online
- Rainbow Six Siege
As a result, many fans have become worried. DK has long been one of Korea’s best-known esports organizations.
Soon after the reports appeared, DK confirmed the delayed payment. The organization explained that the sale of the team has taken longer than expected. Because of that, its financial plans were disrupted.
DK also said it informed players and coaches before the news became public.
Furthermore, the organization promised to pay the remaining salary as soon as possible. It also wants to return to normal operations.
DK said its main goal is to keep players focused on competition. Therefore, it plans to provide support while the ownership process continues.
The organization is looking for new investors
Besides paying outstanding salaries, DK is also searching for a new owner.
The organization said it is talking with one potential buyer. In addition, it has hired a professional mergers and acquisitions firm. This company will help find more investors.
This move suggests that DK needs more than a short-term financial fix. Instead, it wants a stable owner who can support the organization in the future.
If the sale succeeds, DK could receive fresh funding. Consequently, the team may become financially stable again.
However, until the deal is complete, uncertainty will remain.
LCK contract rules create extra pressure
DK also faces another challenge.
Under the standard LCK contract, players and coaches can end their contracts if salaries are delayed for one month.
Because of this rule, DK is under even greater pressure.
For now, most analysts believe players are unlikely to leave immediately. The season is still in progress, and changing teams now would be difficult.
Even so, the situation could change if salary issues continue. In that case, DK could lose important players before next season.
From World Champion to financial trouble
DK’s current situation is surprising because of its incredible history.
The organization started as DAMWON Gaming in 2017.
One year later, it earned promotion to the LCK.
Then, in 2020, the team reached the top of the world. DK defeated Suning to win the League of Legends World Championship.
Its famous roster included:
- Nuguri
- Canyon
- ShowMaker
- Ghost
- BeryL
Together, these players dominated both Korea and international tournaments.
Moreover, DK reached another Worlds Final in 2021. Although the team lost to EDward Gaming, it remained one of the world’s best.
Why has DK struggled?
After its golden era, DK slowly became less dominant.
Several star players left the team. Meanwhile, other LCK organizations became much stronger.
For example, T1, Gen.G, and Hanwha Life Esports all invested heavily in their rosters.
At the same time, operating an esports organization became more expensive.
Player salaries increased.
Coaching staffs grew larger.
Content production also required bigger budgets.
Because of these changes, many organizations began facing financial pressure.
Therefore, DK is not the only team dealing with these challenges. Instead, its problems reflect a wider trend across the esports industry.
What happens next?
The next few months will be very important for DK.
First, the organization must pay every outstanding salary.
Next, it needs to complete the ownership transfer.
Finally, it must rebuild trust with players, sponsors, and fans.
If everything goes well, DK could recover quickly.
However, if financial problems continue, the organization may face major roster changes.
Either way, the coming months will shape the future of one of League of Legends’ most famous teams.
Can DK recover?
DK has overcome challenges before.
The organization climbed from Challenger to World Champion in just a few years.
That history gives fans hope.
However, success on the Rift is not enough. Financial stability is equally important.
Without strong investment, it becomes much harder to keep top players and compete for championships.
For now, supporters can only wait for updates about the ownership talks.
One thing is certain. Dplus KIA has reached a turning point. The decisions made in the coming weeks could define the organization’s future for years to come.
Read more:
DK Finally Reaches EWC 2026 for the First Time
DK is The Most Interesting Team in LCK 2026
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