Riot Games has officially inked a five-year long-term partnership with Naver and SOOP on the 16th, spanning from 2026 through 2030. Through this alliance, the trio aims to push the LCK ecosystem into a new era of qualitative growth.

Under this deal, domestic live broadcasts of the LCK will be exclusive to Naver and SOOP for the next five years starting in 2026. While highlight reels and behind-the-scenes content will still grace the official YouTube channels, all content will see its premiere on these two platforms first. International showdowns like First Stand (FST), the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and the World Championship remain accessible via YouTube, just as they are today.

Riot Games claims this broadcasting model strikes a balance between keeping the league universally accessible and securing the momentum needed for growth. More than just a simple rights deal, the three parties intend to use this as a springboard to systematically refine fan engagement both online and offline, with a roadmap for phased implementation already in the works.

Recognizing the growing trend of fans tuning into LCK matches through their favorite creator channels, Naver and SOOP are doubling down on their co-streaming ecosystems. The plan is to create a more immersive fan experience through interactive events that bridge the gap between digital and physical spaces.

Naver, stepping up as an official LCK sponsor, is securing the naming rights to the LCK arena at LoL Park, aiming to rebrand it as 'Chzzk LoL Park' to elevate the live experience for sports fans. The venue will feature dedicated branding zones and 'Chzzk-branded' seating, creating a cohesive platform-integrated environment. Furthermore, in a first for a domestic platform, they are exploring ways to link Riot accounts for exclusive Drops, alongside integration with Naver Shopping, reservation services, and Naver Pay.

SOOP, meanwhile, is leveraging its streamer-centric content and partnerships with LCK teams to bring fans closer to the action. With multi-device support—ranging from mobile and PC to smart TVs and tablets—and features like the 'time machine' playback, they are doubling down on convenience. They’re also running engagement tools like match predictions and Player of the Match (PoM) voting, ensuring fans remain fully immersed in the spectacle.

LCK Secretary General Lee Jung-hoon remarked, "This partnership is a significant milestone that elevates the trust and scale of the entire LCK ecosystem, bringing us closer to our goal of becoming a premium content piece enjoyed across generations." He added, "We are committed to working alongside Korea’s leading platforms, Naver and SOOP, to deliver greater value to our fans."