Riot dimiss the report of LCS franchise fees getting suspended

In recent days, Riot Games has found itself caught in a whirlwind of discussions about the financial stability of its flagship competition, the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). This surge of reports, emanating from well-known content creators and industry insiders, paints a vivid picture of a league grappling with economic challenges. However, Riot Games has swiftly stepped up to dispel these claims.

Riot discards concerning speculations

Three distinct sources—Cristopher “Montecristo” Mykles, Luis Mira of Dexerto, and Kevin Hitt of the Sports Business Journal—jointly unfurled reports over the weekend, suggesting that the LCS was considering allowing teams to defer their franchising fees. The rationale behind this move, as per the reports, was to adjust the payment schedule to match the current economic climate, which hasn’t been the kindest to the league.

In a rather contrary tone, Riot Games released a statement categorically denouncing these reports as “inaccurate.” The gaming giant reaffirmed its collaborative relationship with its team partners while elegantly sidestepping the realm of conjecture. This declaration seems to be an attempt to quell the burgeoning speculation surrounding the fiscal health of the LCS.

Riot Games’ stance on the matter was reiterated by Raul Fernandez, the head of American esports, during the LCS Summer Finals. Fernandez assured the press that the league stands resilient, even while acknowledging the room for enhancement in viewership numbers. He underscored the league’s ongoing endeavors to actively engage its fans, signifying a commitment to maintaining a robust presence.

A Brazilian import and grand aspirations

In an effort to pave the path for transformation, Riot Games made a calculated move by appointing Carlos Antunes, a seasoned veteran of Brazil’s LoL Esports scene, as the head of NA LoL esports. Antunes’ pedigree in molding the CBLOL (Brazilian Circuit) into a powerhouse aligns seamlessly with Riot’s aspiration to replicate successful strategies from the CBLOL and LLA in North America.

Among Antunes’ initial tasks is the search for a new commissioner for the LCS, a position that has remained vacant since April. The league’s reenergized leadership, bolstered by Antunes’ vision, is poised to embark on a determined journey to bolster the LCS’s stature over the coming months. Their overarching objective is to reinvigorate the league’s standing and render the notion of franchise fee deferments obsolete.

As the North American LoL scene braces for the World Championship, the LCS finds itself at a crossroads. With the event set to commence on October 10, the LCS’s triumphs at the Worlds could potentially usher in heightened domestic interest come 2024.

Header: Riot Games