Sunderland Joins the ePremier League with Team Liquid’s Gaming Stars
Team Liquid, a leading name in global esports, has teamed up with Sunderland AFC to enter the ePremier League. The partnership brings two top EA Sports FC players, Paulo Neto and Gabriel “Young” Freitas, to represent both the esports outfit and the historic football club. They will compete in the league’s eighth season, which starts on February 28th, wearing a special jersey that blends Team Liquid and Sunderland branding.
Why This Move Matters
- Team Liquid’s EA Focus: After acquiring the well‑known EA FC group Team Gullit in 2025, the organization is pushing deeper into competitive play.
- Sunderland’s Esports Presence: The partnership gives the club an esports presence that matches other Premier League teams, marking a fresh chapter in digital engagement.
The Players
| Player | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Paulo Neto | FIFAe Nations Cup champion (2023) |
| Gabriel “Young” Freitas | Esports World Cup runner‑up (2024) |
Their goal is to translate those international successes into domestic victories and potentially secure spots in the eChampions League and the FC Pro World Championship, which together offer a £100 000 prize pool.
ePremier League Format
- 40 players from 20 clubs compete in a round‑robin stage.
- The best performers advance to the playoffs.
- Matches are streamed on official Premier League channels.
- Updates are available on Team Liquid’s and Sunderland’s social media, including their X (formerly Twitter) accounts.
This collaboration marks a fresh chapter for Sunderland as it embraces digital engagement and joins the ranks of clubs investing in esports.
