Valyn Was Reported to Have Agreed a Conditional Move to LYON Depending on a VCT Americas Partnership Slot
LYON, a Mexican organisation that won Stage 1 of VCL Latin America North this year, plans to build its roster around Latin American players.
Jacob "valyn" Batio has reached a verbal agreement to join Mexican organisation LYON, on condition that the club is selected as a VCT Americas partner team, Sheep Esports reported on 21 September 2026, citing sources.
According to the report, the move would go ahead only if LYON secures one of the eight partnership places in VCT Americas. If the organisation is not selected, the agreement would lapse and valyn would be free to consider other options. Riot Games has not yet announced which organisations will receive partnership slots.
Valyn, whose contract with G2 Esports is reported to expire at the end of the season, would act as in-game leader and veteran presence in a roster built around Latin American talent. His record includes four regional VCT Americas titles, among them three in 2025, and he previously led The Guard to victory in the 2023 VCT Ascension.
LYON competed in VCL Latin America North this season, winning Stage 1 but missing out on the VCT Americas Stage 2 Play-Ins. A partnership place would make LYON the first Mexican organisation in the VCT partnership programme.
G2 Esports are among the 16 teams at Valorant Champions 2026 in Shanghai, where they open against TYLOO in Group C when the event begins on 24 September.