Despite being the most watched esports title globally, League of Legends is showing signs of financial strain—particularly in its Korean league, the LCK. Recent reports have revealed a sharp economic downturn for the region’s premier competition.
According to figures released by LCK Corporation, the league has accumulated nearly $30 million in losses from 2022 to 2024 alone. If this trend continues, 2025 could mark a breaking point for one of the most iconic competitions in the game.
LCK’s financial downfall from 2022 to 2024
The LCK has reportedly endured massive yearly losses. These financial results, shared by Dexerto, highlight the seriousness of the situation.
Annual losses reported by LCK Corporation:
2022: 8.1 billion KRW (~$5.6 million USD)
2023: 13.2 billion KRW (~$9.1 million USD)
2024: 28.5 billion KRW (~$19.7 million USD)
The accumulated losses reach approximately $29.6 million, raising concerns over the league’s sustainability and future format.
Key reasons behind LCK’s financial collapse
Several factors have contributed to the league’s financial decline. One of the main issues is the high operational cost of running the league, including production and logistics.
Additionally, membership fees were reduced to allow teams to retain more revenue, cutting into the LCK’s own income. The exclusive streaming deal with Huya, a Chinese platform, also failed to generate expected returns.
Finally, hosting the VALORANT Champions event in Seoul placed an extra financial burden on LCK Corporation.
Who owns the LCK Corporation?
Many fans may not know that Riot Games fully owns the LCK through the LCK Corporation. This entity is responsible for organizing all League of Legends tournaments in South Korea and managing the competitive structure.
Despite Riot’s global success, this localized financial issue could force a restructuring of the league’s budget and revenue models.