The 2023 LCS season had some issues, especially regarding its schedule, as Riot Games went with a weekday schedule that lasted for a whole year. However, after taking players’ and fans’ complaints into consideration, Riot Games confirmed on Tuesday that the new LCS season for 2024 will have a weekend schedule.
Riot Games said that the LCS’s original broadcasting days of Saturday and Sunday will return for the 2024 season. This is on the backdrop of feedback from the North American League of Legends community.
This latest development could be credited to the backlash that fans of LCS gave when Riot Games made the decision to move the league to Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday broadcast days last year.
This was also confirmed in a statement released by Americas’ League esports head Carlos Antunes.
“After careful examination of our schedule and listening closely to community feedback, we are confident the 2024 LCS schedule will allow fans to follow their favourite sports and leagues during a schedule that works for them. Fans can expect even more exciting updates on the schedule and formats in early January.” Carlos Antunes said.
The previous schedule for last year affected the LCS viewership base which dropped dramatically as peak viewership and average viewer counts having its lowest margin over the last six seasons.
Already, if that schedule was retained for 2024, it could, in addition to the exits of Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians, see the league record more disappointing viewership counts than previously seen.
The departure of Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians will see NA field an eight-team tournament for the first time.
Meanwhile, the 2024 LCS Spring Split will kick off on Jan. 20 and 21 with popular content creator and shoutcaster Mark “MarkZ” Zimmerman, named the new LCS commissioner. The 32-year-old has been in the LCS for several years as a color commentator on the broadcast.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
