Swedish esports organisation Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) has teamed up with English Premier League football club Leeds United. 

The partnership will cover FIFA esports and the ePremier League. Leeds was promoted from the EFL Championship to the Premier League last season, so this will be the first time the club is eligible to be represented in the ePremier League.

Discussing the collaboration Ninjas in Pyjamas CEO, Hicham Chahine, said:

“This partnership with Leeds is an exciting milestone for Ninjas in Pyjamas. Our iconic clubs share similar histories of transformation and core values when fighting our way back to the top of our sports.

“We looked for a Premier club with an ownership that was ready to go deep into esports — with the ambition of making an impact, integrating efforts on sports performance, fan activation and commercialisation. We are very thrilled about this FIFA journey together. Keep your eyes open for more exciting announcements in the upcoming weeks.”

While Leeds United Executive Director, Paul Bell, added:

“Promotion to the Premier League has given the club some amazing opportunities so far, with involvement in the ePremier League the latest chance for the club to grow and impress.

“Just as Marcelo [Bielsa] has done with the men’s first team, we intend on making our presence in the league known and being competitive straight away. Creating a partnership with NiP will give us a fantastic foundation to do so. Bring it on.”

AYO.NEWS says:

It seems likely that 2020/21 will be looked back on as a pivotal moment in the relationship between football and esports. With EA Sports FIFA leagues growing all around the world, and more and more football clubs partnering with established esports organisations, efootball is emerging as a serious business in its own right. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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