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- Chinese rights contract to run until end of 2023 mid-season invitational
- Bilibili to also create and host non-live video content for LoL Esports
Online entertainment platform Bilibili has secured exclusive Chinese broadcast rights to all League of Legends (LoL) global events, including the World Championship, through to the end of the series’ 2023 mid-season invitational.
The three-year agreement with Riot Games is reportedly worth in the region of CNY 800 million (US$113 million), according to Beijing News. The deal also covers the production of non-live content, including documentaries.
In addition to the annual World Championship, the arrangement covers the LoL Mid-Season Invitational, and All-Star Events in China. In addition, Bilibili will produce live and on-demand (VOD) video content for Riot Games’ LoL Esports platforms in China.
“We are excited to reach this strategic partnership with Riot Games,” said Carly Lee, Bilibili vice chairwoman and chief operating officer. “Throughout the past decade, we have witnessed the development of the esports industry from a niche market to a mainstream one that is now one of the most popular sports among young people in China.
“The number of views of esports videos on Bilibili reached 44 billion in 2019. Bilibili will take this opportunity and help Shanghai build its leadership position in the global esports industry.”
To mark ten years of League of Legends esports, Bilibili, Riot Games, and TJ Sports will collectively produce an exclusive official anniversary documentary focusing on China’s LoL Pro League (LPL) teams.
Bilibili and Riot Games China will also host a series of offline esports events, including activities where fans can watch games and engage in immersive experiences, beginning in October.
Leo Lin, general manager of Riot Games China, added: “Bilibili is a popular video platform for our young generation as well as a booming cultural community for gaming fans.
“Bilibili has built a solid foundation in esports to thrive now and in the future. We believe that LoL esports global tournaments will resonate with Bilibili users. We also will join hands to help our esport become a leader in the future of the sports industry in China.”
Covid-19 travel restrictions and social distancing protocols in China have impacted this year’s LoL World Championship, with Riot Games electing to cancel its 2020 Mid-Season Invitational, scheduled between 3rd to 19th July.
Online entertainment platform Bilibili has secured exclusive Chinese broadcast rights to all League of Legends (LoL) global events, including the World Championship, through to the end of the series’ 2023 mid-season invitational.
The three-year agreement with Riot Games is reportedly worth in the region of CNY 800 million (US$113 million), according to Beijing News. The deal also covers the production of non-live content, including documentaries.
In addition to the annual World Championship, the arrangement covers the LoL Mid-Season Invitational, and All-Star Events in China. In addition, Bilibili will produce live and on-demand (VOD) video content for Riot Games’ LoL Esports platforms in China.
“We are excited to reach this strategic partnership with Riot Games,” said Carly Lee, Bilibili vice chairwoman and chief operating officer. “Throughout the past decade, we have witnessed the development of the esports industry from a niche market to a mainstream one that is now one of the most popular sports among young people in China.
“The number of views of esports videos on Bilibili reached 44 billion in 2019. Bilibili will take this opportunity and help Shanghai build its leadership position in the global esports industry.”
To mark ten years of League of Legends esports, Bilibili, Riot Games, and TJ Sports will collectively produce an exclusive official anniversary documentary focusing on China’s LoL Pro League (LPL) teams.
Bilibili and Riot Games China will also host a series of offline esports events, including activities where fans can watch games and engage in immersive experiences, beginning in October.
Leo Lin, general manager of Riot Games China, added: “Bilibili is a popular video platform for our young generation as well as a booming cultural community for gaming fans.
“Bilibili has built a solid foundation in esports to thrive now and in the future. We believe that LoL esports global tournaments will resonate with Bilibili users. We also will join hands to help our esport become a leader in the future of the sports industry in China.”
Covid-19 travel restrictions and social distancing protocols in China have impacted this year’s LoL World Championship, with Riot Games electing to cancel its 2020 Mid-Season Invitational, scheduled between 3rd to 19th July.
