Riot Games responded to reports about financial troubles in the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) by saying these reports are incorrect. They emphasized their good relationship with team partners and declined to comment on rumors.
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Even though Riot denied the reports, the idea of delaying franchise fees makes sense given the current situation. The LCS has been losing viewership from season to season, which could impact its revenue. This concept of delaying fees with interest would also apply to other leagues like LCK, LEC, and LPL.
Riot’s head of American esports, Raul Fernandez, recently stated that the LCS is doing well despite lower viewership. He acknowledged that they aren’t satisfied with the viewership numbers but mentioned the league is still engaging fans effectively.
There are rumors that the LCS might move from Los Angeles, a costly place to operate, to save money. This idea has support from many teams, as it could reduce expenses. The LCS has been based in southern California since its start in 2013.
To make changes, Riot hired Carlos Antunes, a veteran from Brazil’s LoL Esports scene, to lead NA LoL esports. Antunes aims to bring successful strategies from CBLOL and LLA to North America.
CBLOL had better viewership than the LCS in the first half of 2023, and Antunes will need to find a new commissioner for the LCS, a role vacant since April.
The LCS will work hard with its new leadership to improve over the next few months and aim for a strong showing at the World Championship. If NA teams perform well at Worlds, it could boost interest in the LCS in 2024.
The LCS struggled internationally in the past, but this year’s Worlds, starting on Oct. 10, offers a chance to change that narrative.
Riot Games dismissed reports about the LCS’s financial issues as inaccurate. Although the league faces viewership declines, Riot’s Raul Fernandez stated that the LCS remains robust and fan engagement is positive. There’s talk of moving the LCS from LA to cut costs, supported by teams due to high expenses. Carlos Antunes, a Brazilian esports veteran, is tasked with implementing successful strategies from CBLOL and LLA to boost the NA scene. The LCS aims to rebound and perform better internationally at the upcoming Worlds, starting on Oct. 10.