Riot has finally spoken out in the wake of the LCS walkout, delaying the 2023 Summer Split by two weeks and threatening to cancel the entire season if the two sides can't find common ground. 

After weeks of threats, the LCS Player Association made good on its promise and staged a mass walkout from the upcoming 2023 LCS Summer Split. The walkout was in protest of the changes made to the NACL, making the future of the players uncertain. 

Riot remained silent until the walkout threatened to cancel the Summer Split altogether. However, enough is enough. Riot has finally addressed the issue officially. They announced that they will be delaying the 2023 LCS Summer Split, which was supposed to start this weekend, by two weeks. 

“...nothing but putting the best players in North America on the stage at Riot Games Arena is acceptable. So we informed LCSPA leadership today that we will delay the LCS season for the next two weeks,” the response reads.

They further stated that the delay will allow them time to have "productive communications" with the LCSPA. Riot also ensured that no teams would be 'penalized' for not fielding their rosters during this period to allow a smooth negotiation.

However, despite the offer, they also emphasized that if an agreement is not reached within the two-week period, they are prepared to cancel the Summer Split.

Riot added that if the LCS Summer Split is canceled, it will also prevent all teams in the LCS from qualifying for Worlds in 2023. They stated that it's not their desired outcome. Unfortunately, this is the reality, so they can run a fair and competitive global system.