Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include additional information provided by Cloud9’s CEO Jack Etienne.
North American organization Sentinels is negotiating with Cloud9 to retain Tyson “TenZ” Ngo on an extended loan deal, according to sources close to Upcomer.
This move would allow TenZ to play for Sentinels in the upcoming VALORANT Champions Tour events. Meanwhile Jay “Sinatraa” Won remains on the bench as the investigation into his relationship with former girlfriend Cleo Hernandez remains ongoing.
Sentinels would have an option to buy TenZ if the deal is completed.
Since Cloud9 have set the Canadian’s buyout clause above margin, it’s likely that Sentinels will opt out of a complete buyout at this moment.
Sentinels set TenZ ‘s buyout at around $2 million before the previous VCT Stage 2 qualifier, according to Upcomer journalist Tyler Erzberger. This figure would see the Jett main as one of the most expensive players in VALORANT by a substantial margin. However, this figure has been a matter of dispute.
His buyout could now sit at around $5 million, according to one source. Jack Etienne denied this figure, according to Ryan Friend.
Sentinels are considered to be one of the best teams in VALORANT. The team finished in first place at the North American VCT Stage 1 Masters in March. The $60,000 prize pool event concluded with a 3-0 victory against FaZe Clan.
However, Sentinels flopped in the recent Challengers event. The team fell to Built by Gamers in the Round of 16. The tournament, which concludes April 11, will award the top four teams a spot at the Challengers Finals later this month. The two finalists will then earn their place at the VCT Stage 2: Masters in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Sentinels sit at first place on the North American rankings, according to VLR.gg. This is shortly followed by Team Envy and FaZe Clan.
If the loan deal with TenZ is complete, Sentinels will continue to field the following roster:
- Tyson “TenZ” Ngo
- Shahzeb “ShahZam” Khan
- Hunter “SicK” Mims
- Jared “zombs” Gitlin
- Michael “dapr” Gulino
- Sinatraa (benched)
