League of Ireland and Irish esports organisation WYLDE have announced a new multi year partnership focused mainly on EA FC. Under the deal, WYLDE becomes the official esports and gaming partner of the League of Ireland.

While the financial terms of the partnership weren’t publicly disclosed, WYLDE will run Ireland’s national football esports competitions, including the ELOI, as a part of the agreement. These events are a key part of the Irish esports scene and give players a pathway from grassroots level all the way to major international tournaments such as the eChampions League and the Esports World Cup (EWC).

The ELOI is scheduled to take place in March 2026. Ireland’s top players will compete for the national title. The winner will go on to represent Ireland internationally, carrying both the country’s flag and their club’s crest.

League of Ireland stated that the partnership reflects a shared goal between the two organisations to grow participation, create opportunities, and inspire Irish talent at all levels. WYLDE was founded in 2021 and has focused on grassroots esports development. The organisation also opened Ireland’s first dedicated National Esports Centre, giving players a space to train and prepare for competition.

Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) will return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder edition, taking place across 18–21 June in Cologne, Germany, alongside IEM Cologne. The schedule and details about ticket sales are available in this link.

Mark Scanlon, League of Ireland Director, said, “The League of Ireland is delighted to announce WYLDE as our esports and gaming partner. This collaboration enables us to engage with a new generation of players and fans while strengthening the close connection between football and esports. WYLDE’s expertise and commitment to developing esports talent make them the perfect partner to grow this space.”

Steve Daly, CEO of WYLDE, said, “This partnership unites two passions that define a generation – football and gaming. Together with the League of Ireland, we’re building a national structure that allows any player, from any background, to turn their love of the game into opportunity and achievement.”

The partnership news is definitely a step forward for WYLDE, but things haven’t been great for their Rainbow Six squad lately. They recently announced they are stepping away from top-tier Rainbow Six Siege, saying they can no longer afford to keep a Tier One team running.

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