NBC, Premier League and PlayVS unveil ePremier League College Invitational

American broadcast network NBC, the Premier League and scholastic esports platform PlayVS have unveiled the ePremier League College Invitational.

The platform will be used to host the collegiate EA Sports FC 24 tournament which is taking place across six universities in the United States.

Starting on March 23rd, six regional qualifiers will take place to determine the players that will secure a place in the finals happening during the Premier League Mornings Live Fan Festival in Nashville, Tennessee on April 6th – 7th.

The winners of the regional tournaments will receive exclusive merchandise and a trophy while the eventual winner of the tournament will receive a Premier League kit of their choice and a range of other prizes.

The festival, organised in partnership with NBC and the Premier League, will play host to broadcasts of live football matches alongside a range of ‘family-friendly, interactive activities’.

PlayVS continues to operate a number of collegiate esports events in North America. In February 2024, the platform partnered with Stiegler EdTech to provide students with digital upskilling tools.

John Chapman, CEO of PlayVS, spoke on the event: “Esports provide an incredible opportunity for young fans to be introduced to the excitement of the Premier League and to become lifelong fans.

“In collaboration with these two global brands – NBC Sports and the Premier League – we’re bringing the gaming and global football communities together in an incredibly engaging way. This is a special opportunity for PlayVS and for all the students involved.”

The actual ePremier League 2023/2024 season is set to culminate on March 24th with players competing for a share of £100,000 in prize money. The