In 2024 BLAST Premier will expand to 16 teams

The BLAST Premier circuit will increase to 16 teams for the 2024 season. In preparation for the transition to a completely open circuit in 2025, the event organizer is welcoming four one-year affiliate partners. The four new affiliate members will join the circuit in time for the Spring Groups at the end of January, and their tournament performances will earn them prize money. They will not, however, be eligible for any money from the BLAST Premier's revenue-sharing arrangement.

These four membership spaces are expected to be auctioned for a "minimum" of $350,000 apiece, with payments due in Q1 2024. ESL and BLAST will be able to run a closed-circuit setup in Counter-Strike until 2024. Valve said in August that, beginning in 2025, tournament invites will be chosen by either its ranking system or open qualifications.