Riot Games Denies Reports of LCS Struggling Financially
Riot Games has responded to reports about the financial state of the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). Content creator Cristopher “Montecristo” Mykles and Kevin Hitt of the Sports Business Journal recently claimed that teams in the LCS are allowed to defer franchising fees due to the league’s struggling economics. However, Riot Games has refuted these claims, calling them “inaccurate.”
Potential Franchise Fee Deferral Debunked by Riot Games
Riot Games issued a statement to Dexerto, stating, “These reports are inaccurate. We maintain a collaborative relationship with our team partners and do not plan to discuss rumors.” Although Riot has denied the reports, the idea of a franchise fee deferral system would make sense given the current climate. The LCS has been experiencing a decline in viewership, and this could be impacting the league’s revenue. According to the Sports Business Journal, any deferments made by teams would include interest charges. This system would also apply to teams in other leagues such as the LCK, LEC, and LPL.
Riot Games Affirms the Health and Engagement of LCS
Despite the rumors of the LCS struggling financially, Riot Games refuted these claims during the Summer Finals. Raul Fernandez, the head of American esports at Riot, stated that the LCS is in a “very healthy position” following the conclusion of the 2023 domestic schedule. While viewership numbers may not be ideal, the LCS is still reaching and engaging with fans.
Possible Relocation of LCS and Plans for the Future
Rumors have circulated about the LCS potentially moving out of Los Angeles in the future. According to Montecristo, many teams support this move as it would reduce costs associated with operating in an expensive state. The LCS has been based in Southern California since its inception. Riot Games is dedicated to making significant changes, starting with hiring Carlos Antunes, a veteran of the Brazilian LoL Esports scene, as the head of NA LoL esports. Riot aims to bring successful strategies from the Brazilian circuit to North America through Antunes.
Additionally, one of Antunes’ first tasks will be to find a new commissioner for the LCS. The position has been vacant since April, with the previous commissioner stepping down after only one season in the role. The LCS will continue its efforts to improve and regain stability as it moves forward.
World Championship Performance as a Catalyst for Improvement
The North American LoL scene could receive a boost if teams perform well at this year’s World Championship. The LCS will send a total of three teams, with the potential for a fourth, to the event. A strong showing internationally could increase interest in the domestic league. The LCS has room for improvement, as its performance at the Worlds group stage last season was lackluster. The upcoming edition of LoL Worlds will begin on October 10.
Riot Games, League of Legends, LCS, financial stability, franchise fee deferral, struggling economics, viewership decline, revenue decrease, Raul Fernandez, relocation, Carlos Antunes, North American LoL esports, World Championship