China has long been a powerhouse in League of Legends, with the LPL (League of Legends Pro League) standing as one of the strongest leagues globally. Teams like BLG and Weibo Gaming have consistently challenged South Korea on the international stage. However, starting in 2025, the LPL’s official English broadcast will be discontinued.
The decision comes as Western interest in the league has waned. The LPL’s packed schedule and time zone differences have made it hard for casual fans to follow, leading to an average viewership of under 10,000 during the regular season. Co-streamers have attracted much of the audience, leaving the main broadcast struggling.
As a result, Riot Games is shutting down the official English coverage and handing over responsibilities to co-streamers. While the LPL itself will continue, fans who prefer English commentary will now need to rely on independent streams.
The move has sparked disappointment across the community. Prominent co-streamer Christian Rivera (IWDominate), who stands to gain from the change, expressed sadness, noting how the LPL’s English broadcast helped cultivate talent like Dagda, Emily Rand, Raz, Aux, and others now seen in major broadcasts. League caster Cubby criticized the decision, calling it a “cheap solution” that burdens co-streamers with producing full broadcasts while sidelining dedicated analysts and storytellers.
Former LPL caster Dagda, now a mainstay at the LEC and Worlds, shared his heartbreak over the announcement, recalling the memories he made working with friends in the league.
The financial strain on the LPL may have played a role in this decision. Reports suggest some teams face significant budget cuts, with at least one organization potentially exiting the league. While other major regions maintain their broadcasts, the move raises concerns about Riot’s broader cost-cutting measures.