Copyright InvenGlobal
The Premier League and Electronic Arts have announced the return of the ePremier League for its eighth season, offering UK-based EA SPORTS FC™ 26 players a chance to represent one of 20 Premier League clubs on the virtual pitch. Registration is now open for players aged 16 and over, with online qualifiers set for November and December. The ePremier League remains a key event in the EA SPORTS FC™ Pro circuit — the official esports platform for the franchise — and will once again feature a £100,000 prize pool and spots in the 2026 FC Pro World Championship. Premier League Chief Commercial Officer Will Brass said the competition continues to give fans “an exciting way to represent their favourite Premier League clubs,” adding that the league looks forward to seeing “the drama unfold once again on EA SPORTS FC™ 26.” Monica Dinsmore, EA’s Head of Esports, called the ePremier League “a crucial part of the FC Pro calendar,” highlighting the opportunity for players to represent “some of football’s biggest teams” and connect with the sport’s passionate fanbase. Representing Clubs and New Competitive Format Competitors will participate in up to three online open qualifiers across November and December, earning leaderboard points to advance to Club Playoffs in January 2026. Each club will then select representatives through these playoffs, with the best advancing to the Group Stages in late February. This season introduces a new structure where group-stage results directly affect seeding for the Knockout Rounds, increasing the importance of every match. Clubs may also “fast-track” one or two players directly to the Group Stage, allowing long-term investment in talent — mirroring real-world football development. The tournament will culminate in two weekends of live finals on March 28–29, 2026, streamed on Premier League digital channels and global broadcast partners. The new season follows Manchester City’s back-to-back titles in 2023/24 and 2024/25, secured by Donovan “Tekkz” Hunt and Matias Bonanno. Newly promoted clubs Leeds United, Sunderland, and Burnley will make their ePremier League debuts, with Sunderland competing in the series for the first time.
