Premier League to launch first ever official esports league with EA Sports

The Premier League has partnered with long-time sponsor Electronic Arts (EA Sports) to launch its first ever official esports tournament, the ePremier League (ePL).

The ePL will offer UK-based players of Fifa 19 the chance to represent their favourite Premier League club in competitive gaming.

The ePL is the newest league partner to join the Fifa 19 Global Series.

All 20 Premier League clubs will have a live playoff round allowing two Fifa 19 competitors (one per platform: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) the chance to advance to the ePL Final.

“We know that millions of fans play Fifa and this new esports competition will provide our clubs with an exciting opportunity to engage with them,” said Richard Masters, Premier League Managing Director.

The ePL kicks off in January 2019, when players aged 16 and over will compete for three months across three rounds: online qualification, club playoffs and the ePL Final.

The final will be played in London in March next year, and will be broadcast live via Sky Sports and the Premier League’s social media channels.

In 2014-15, EA Sports signed as the Premier League’s Official Sports Technology Partner in a five-year deal, ending in 2018-19.

For more on EA Sports’ partnership with the Premier League, read our analysis here.