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EWC Foundation reveals 40 clubs selected for $20 million Club Partner Program

BBG News

The 40 clubs reach over 300 million fans worldwide and will share in $20 million in funding this year.

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a massive list of 40 teams for 2025’s Club Partner Program, with the foundation planning for up to $1 million in funding per organization.

The $20 million program aims to “accelerate global fan engagement and strengthen brand presence through innovative content and marketing campaigns” leading up to and during this year’s EWC.

Over $20 million available for partnered clubs at EWC 2025: All 40 teams

The full list of esports orgs linking with the EWCF was announced on March 17 in a press release, with some of the biggest teams in esports partaking in the EWC Club Partner Program. From North American-grown 100 Thieves, Sentinels, and Cloud9, to mainstays like Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Fnatic, FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere, and G2, orgs from all over the world make up the 40-strong list.

“This year’s 40 partnered Clubs represent a diverse and dynamic cross-section of global esports, spanning legacy organizations, rising stars and global powerhouses that collectively define the rich history and the rapidly evolving future of the industry,” EWCF Chief Product Officer Faisal Bin Homran said in the press release.

“The EWCF Club Partner Program is a cornerstone of our mission to build a sustainable future for esports Clubs worldwide while creating opportunities for organizations from some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”

Included in the list is six teams from China, linking with assistance from Tencent’s esports division. All Gamers, Bilibili Gaming, Edward Gaming, JD Gaming, Weibo Gaming, and Wolves Esports made it through the 20-team shortlist from the region.

Over 200 org applications were received, with criteria such as “assessing their competitive track record in the Club Championship in 2024, their potential across multiple games, social media presence, fan engagement, and their strategic plans for activating their global esports audience” assessed.

21 of the orgs return from 2024’s inaugural partner program, including EWC “champions” Team Falcons who took home the massive $7 million EWC Club Championship.

“EWC 2024 was a defining moment for us—winning points in five games, two podium finishes, and securing a top-four finish at the Club Championship,” Team Vitality chairman Fabien “Neo” Devide said. “The scale and energy of the event proved just how influential esports has become.”

Each club will need to renew their partnership every year “in line with the Program’s requirements,” with the program extending through the next few years as EWC returns to Riyadh.

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2025-03-17 17:08

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