Team Liquid Sunderland AFC Partnership: Esports Giant Teams Up with Black Cats for ePremier League

Lee Astley, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 27/02/2026

Team Liquid and English Championship side Sunderland AFC have unveiled a fresh partnership focused on the ePremier League, the official EA Sports FC competition tied to Premier League clubs.

The collaboration sees Team Liquid’s standout EA FC pros — Paulo Neto and Gabriel “Young” Freitas — representing both organizations in the UK’s premier virtual football tournament.

This marks Sunderland’s debut in the ePremier League space, blending traditional football heritage with competitive gaming.

Key Details of the Team Liquid and Sunderland AFC ePremier League Partnership

The duo will compete under joint branding, donning a special edition Team Liquid x Sunderland AFC jersey during matches.

The ePremier League’s eighth season kicks off February 28, 2026, with 40 players from 20 teams battling in round-robin groups before knockout playoffs.

Competitors chase a share of the £100,000 prize pool, plus slots in the eChampions League and FC Pro World Championship.

For Team Liquid, this builds on their strong EA FC program, especially after acquiring Team Gullit in 2025.

Star Players Paulo Neto and Gabriel Young Freitas Lead the Charge

Paulo Neto brings proven pedigree as the 2023 FIFAe Nations Cup champion, while Gabriel “Young” Freitas earned runner-up honors at the 2024 Esports World Cup.

Both are making their ePremier League debuts but arrive with high expectations to deliver results for the combined team.

Their experience positions the partnership as a serious contender in the competition.

What the Partnership Means for Team Liquid and Sunderland AFC

Team Liquid’s Senior Marketing Manager Maarten Sonneveld called it “the next natural step” for their EA FC lineup, praising Sunderland’s storied history and passionate supporters while highlighting the high-performance approach the players bring.

Sunderland’s Chief Business Officer David Bruce described the move as “an exciting step in our commitment to innovation and global engagement,” noting it opens doors to a new generation of fans through esports.

This alliance reflects the growing intersection of football clubs and esports organizations, using virtual platforms to expand reach and engage younger audiences worldwide.

Lee Astley, Senior Editor

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