Riot Games partners with Huya for LCS and LEC Chinese broadcasts

Ahead of the North American league LCS and European league LEC kicking off on 24 January, Riot Games has announced a new partnership to stream the action in China.  

Huya, the Chinese live streaming platform who have the broadcast license to China’s LPL and Korean league LCK, have been picked up as the official partner for the LCS and LEC. 

Speaking about the partnership, Alban Dechelotte, head of business development at Riot Games, said: “After our most successful LEC season yet, we’re looking forward to offering fans more of the kind of innovation and entertainment that our European League is known for. 

“Our partnership with Huya means that it’s even easier for fans worldwide to follow the LEC teams and pros that captivated them at the World Championships."

Huya is going to broadcast the LCS and LEC in China (Picture: Riot Games) 

A spokesperson for Huya, said: “Huya has a large layout in China for the League Of Legends esports market. In this year, Huya has garnered the exclusiver broadcaster rights to LEC and LCS, and a 3-year exclusive broadcaster rights to LCK from 2020 to 2022.  

“The agreement brought Huya and Riot Games into an unprecendented level of cooperation. We wish League Of Legends fans could get the best viewing experience in Huya, the highly engaged and interactive game live streaming community, and look forward to more cooperation with Riot Games in the next few years.” 

Last year’s Worlds 2019 final saw LEC’s G2 Esports go up against LPL’s FunPlus Phoenix, with European teams now frequently topping tournaments around the globe.  

This now gives an opportunity for Chinese fans to watch LEC and LCS matches outside of the major tournaments, which can only be a good thing for everyone involved.  

LEC and LCS will begin broadcasting on Huya in China when the Spring Split begins on 24 and 25 January respectively.