A larger number of League of Legends creators and players will soon be able share the LCS experience live with their viewers.
The LCS has revealed that its “watch party program,” allowing select YouTube and Twitch streamers to co-stream games during the season, will return with the start of the 2023 Spring Split in an expanded format. Applications can now be found on the official announcement’s blog. They will be available until Jan. 18 for week one co-streaming, and then closed to co-streaming the remainder.
Previously, only a handful of select streamers—many of whom are notable faces within the League community, such as former players and large personalities—were given the opportunity from Riot to co-stream the LCS, with other creators not having a chance at that same opportunity. The program has been updated to allow any creator to have co-stream access. However, not all applicants will be accepted.
All streamers who become a part of the program are expected to oblige by a strict set of guidelines, many of which attempt to avoid conflicting sponsors between the LCS and the streamers, though also forbidding the “disparaging [of] LCS sponsors, broadcast, talent, pros, teams, and the league.” Notably, 100 Thieves ADC and veteran LCS player Doublelift was suspended from co-streaming last year for negative comments regarding the LCS’ longevity.
The blog post mentions that co-streaming rights are for the Spring Split only. It doesn’t say if they will be able to stream the Spring Split playoffs. Creators who are interested in joining the program can apply up until Jan. 18 for co-streaming rights for week 1. Jan. 23 is the last day for creators to apply for the split.
The 2023 LCS Spring Split starts on Thursday, Jan. 26.