Esports News UK editor Dom Sacco says there’s no reason why UK organisations can’t approach Premier League football sides to assist with their journey into esports.
A few days ago Manchester City FC announced a partnership with Epsilon Esports, which will see both organisations taking part in the Gfinity Elite Series under one banner.
Manchester City’s and Epsilon’s esports players will make up half of the team, with the remaining players chosen through the Elite Draft. The sides will join forces to take part in the Elite Series which kicks off on October 26th.
Gregory Champagne, CEO at Epsilon Esports, said: “I am thrilled that we have formed this exciting partnership with the English Premier League Champions and prestigious club Manchester City. Together, we will push ourselves in the Elite Series and engage our fans in exciting new ways.
“Players will wear the renowned sky blue jersey of Manchester City eSports while we nourish and support them through our latest FIFA Training Program, enhancing their abilities as pro players.”
After the ePremier League esports tournament was announced earlier this month, I saw several concerned UK esports organisation owners take to Twitter to express their concern about the tournament. This was mainly around the idea that top football clubs would take their best players.
“Players will wear the renowned sky blue jersey of Manchester City eSports while we nourish and support them through our latest FIFA Training Program, enhancing their abilities as pro players.”
Gregory Champagne, Epsilon Esports
Well, that is a strong possibility, but like traditional sports, the top players will flock to the top brands where the top money is.
UK orgs are never going to be able to challenge the might of an established wealthy Premier League club. But if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
Org owners should heed Gregory’s words and take a leaf out of Epsilon’s book.
There is suddenly a host of Premier League football sides looking to make a successful foray in esports. And they will no doubt be looking for external advice and help, whether that’s management, players, content creators or a third-party handling work for them.
There’s no reason why some of the UK’s best orgs can’t convince these clubs to partner up with them.
So instead of wasting time moaning about it on Twitter, get out there and try! What is there to lose?
Related posts:
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
