Fans of the North American professional League of Legends circuit were surprised to hear of the LCS commissioner resigning, but what does that mean for the LCS?
LCS commissioner Jackie Felling has announced her retirement from League of Legends esports in order to prioritize her health. Felling joined as the Head of League of Legends Esports NA & LCS Commissioner in January of 2022 and has served as the leader of the North American LoL Esports broadcast since then. During this time, the LCS has taken many steps forwards, so what does her departure mean for NA League of Legends?
Jackie Felling was brought in as the LCS commissioner after her predecessor, Chris Greeley, stepped away from the position of commissioner. Since that time, she’s been a central part of the LCS’ changing strategy when it comes to broadcast, branding, and community engagement. Felling joined Riot Games after four years of working with Activision Blizzard on both the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty League. Felling announced her decision on Twitter on April 11, 2023, and April 14 was her final day at Riot Games.
The LCS had been struggling to find a consistent identity ahead of Felling’s appointment, and it seems like her involvement helped those issues substantially. Felling talks about how she helped prioritize an “authentic community broadcast that allowed our talent to be the best they can be, and showcased the best personalities and content we have to offer.”
From cultivating relationships with influencers to fan meets, Felling’s approach reignited many fans’ excitement around the league. While it’s not clear who will take the title next, Felling’s absence is certainly a loss for North American fans. The commissioner serves as the head decision-maker when it comes to the league’s format and priorities in many ways, and Felling understood what the league needed back in 2022.
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