Seoul Proposes 1.369 Billion Won For 2027 Worlds Final Bid
Seoul has included 1.369 billion won in its proposed 2027 budget to support hosting the League of Legends World Championship final, but the city has not yet secured a final agreement with Riot Games.
The distinction matters for followers of international esports news: the money is a proposed allocation, not an approved payment or confirmation that Seoul will stage the match.
According to News1 reporting carried by Financial News on November 10, 2026, Seoul has been selected as the preferred negotiating candidate and is in final talks with the tournament organiser.
The budget proposal must also pass scrutiny by Seoul's city council.
Funding Covers More Than The Match
The proposed allocation sits under a new global gaming tournament attraction project in the city's budget.
News1 reported that it would support co-hosting the final and staging a related fan festival, with venue rental and accommodation among the intended uses.
That makes the figure different from a tournament prize pool. It concerns the city's contribution to staging and supporting the event rather than money awarded to the competing teams.
Seoul also plans administrative support for venue hire, associated facilities and event operations. The precise scope of that assistance remains subject to the outcome of negotiations with Riot.
Two Venues Are Under Consideration
Seoul has proposed Gocheok Sky Dome in the Guro district and Seoul Arena in Chang-dong, Dobong district. Neither has been confirmed as the final venue.
Gocheok Sky Dome hosted the Worlds final in 2023, providing an existing example of the city staging the match.
Seoul Arena is a dedicated large-scale performance and cultural venue, with an opening targeted for June 2027.
For the new arena, meeting that opening timetable and providing the facilities and operating conditions required for the tournament are part of the assessment.
Riot is expected to examine the venue's size, facilities and event requirements before deciding.
Fan Festival Forms Part Of Seoul's Plan
The city is seeking more than a single arena audience. Its plan pairs the final with a fan festival intended to attract domestic and overseas visitors and encourage spending on accommodation, restaurants and shopping.
News1 reported that around 18,000 spectators attended the 2023 final at Gocheok Sky Dome.
A separate four-day fan festival at Gwanghwamun Square attracted approximately 130,000 visitors, according to the organisers' estimate cited in the report.
Those are historical attendance figures, not forecasts for 2027. The proposed return still depends on a hosting agreement, a venue decision and council consideration of the funding.
Seoul's preferred-candidate status gives it a negotiating position, but does not settle those outstanding decisions. A city official told News1 that a decision was expected soon, while stressing that the arrangements were not yet final.
