The Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially named ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) as the operating partner for the 2026 eMLS Cup. As the official operations partner, EFG will manage the transition from club selection to the crowning of a champion, overseeing the full competitive pipeline for the premier EA FC circuit in North America.
The finals will be held at EFG’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, serving as a key qualifying event for the EA FC Pro World Championship. This partnership aligns with Electronic Arts’ broader 2026 strategy, which recently confirmed a lineup of twenty league partners—including the Premier League, LALIGA, and the Bundesliga—contributing to a structured global pathway with a combined prize pool exceeding $1,000,000.
Regarding the move to a dedicated esports studio, Adam Apicella, SVP Esports at EFG, stated: “Bringing the finals to our Columbus studio allows us to put these elite players on the stage they deserve. Our team is dedicated to providing a professional, competitive environment that honors the prestige of the MLS badge while delivering a high-caliber broadcast for the EA FC community.”
The eMLS partnership reflects a broader trend of professional football brands seeking deeper integration with established esports infrastructure. This news follows just days after Team Liquid announced a high-profile collaboration with Sunderland AFC for the ePremier League.
Chris Blivin, MLS Vice President of Consumer Products, emphasized the importance of this digital bridge: “eMLS is a vital part of how Major League Soccer connects with our young, digitally native fans. Partnering with EFG ensures that our competition is managed with the highest level of expertise.”
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