Riot Games Refutes Claims of LCS Franchise Fee Suspension

In the ever-evolving world of eSports, rumors and speculations often run rampant. Recently, Riot Games found itself at the center of a whirlwind of reports concerning the financial stability of the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS).

Several sources, including content creator Cristopher “Montecristo” Mykles, Luis Mira of Dexerto, and Kevin Hitt of the Sports Business Journal, suggested that the LCS was permitting teams to defer their franchising fees, hinting at potential economic challenges within the league.

Riot Games was quick to address these claims, labeling them as “inaccurate”.

In an official statement to Dexerto, the company clarified, “These reports are inaccurate. We maintain a collaborative relationship with our team partners and do not plan to discuss rumors”.

The statement underscores Riot’s commitment to transparency and its intent to quash any misinformation.

While the idea of a franchise fee deferral system might seem plausible given the LCS’s reported decline in viewership, Riot remains optimistic about the league’s future. During the recent LCS Summer Finals, Raul Fernandez, the head of American esports, emphasized the league’s robust health. He acknowledged that while viewership figures might not be at their desired levels, fan engagement remains strong.

Amidst these discussions, there’s also buzz about the LCS potentially relocating from Los Angeles, a move supported by several teams aiming to reduce operational costs. The league has been a staple in southern California since its 2013 inception.

In terms of leadership, Riot has welcomed Carlos Antunes, a seasoned figure from the Brazilian LoL Esports scene, as the head of NA LoL esports.

Antunes’ experience with the CBLOL, which has recently seen viewership surpassing that of the LCS, is expected to bring fresh strategies and insights to North America.

The upcoming World Championship presents an opportunity for the LCS to regain its footing on the global stage.

Historically, North American teams have faced challenges at Worlds, but a strong performance this year could rejuvenate interest in the domestic league. The championship kicks off on October 10th, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the LCS can defy expectations and make a significant impact.