MLS and EA Reveal eMLS 2023 Schedule, New Competitive Format & More

Major League Soccer and EA have revealed the schedule for the eMLS 2023 season, continuing the league’s long-term partnership to grow in popularity and captivate North American soccer fans. With world-class FIFA 23 competitors, compelling competition, and engaging MLS content, eMLS 2023 will look to enhance the cultural connection between esports and soccer.

In addition to two marquee League Series events in New York City in January and February, the eMLS Cup will take place during SXSW in Austin on March 12.

eMLS players will compete for $100,000 in 2023, the largest season prize pool in the league’s history. There will be more than 10 players featured on each League Series broadcast, and fans will get enhanced coverage in a new competitive format.

“eMLS is excited to see new faces and returning legends for the 2023 season,” said Camilo Durana, MLS Executive Vice President. “The League is committed to providing competitive gaming and premium esports content to fans to help bring them closer to the game than ever before. With eMLS content on more platforms and devices, the League continues to find ways to best serve our young, multicultural, and digitally savvy fans, and to highlight the top talent on the virtual pitch.”

MLS clubs and players will stream the remote qualifiers and group stages of each League Series on their respective Twitch and YouTube channels, and fans can watch the main bracket matches on Twitch.tv/MLS. Here’s the season format:

• eMLS League Series 1: The 2023 season kicks off on January 24-25 with remote qualifiers with the group stage on Jan. 28 and final series bracket games on Jan. 29.
• eMLS League Series 2: The season continues Feb. 7-8 with remote qualifiers, the group stage on Feb. 11 and final series bracket matches on Feb. 12.
• eMLS Cup: The season will conclude in Austin at SXSW, with the Last Chance Qualifier held on March 11 determining the final “Cinderella” participant spot for the eMLS Cup on March 12.

This year, Kacey “Kacee” Anderson, the first woman to be signed to an eMLS club and the most watched female FIFA streamer in North America in 2021, will serve as the official eMLS season correspondent. She will be joined by eMLS host Faizal Khamisa, play-by-play announcer Dan Gaskin, commentator Mike Labelle, and sideline reporter Susannah Collins.

“We are delighted to welcome back eMLS for the FGS23 season. The popularity of the eMLS has been exceptional as a remarkable community of EA SPORTS FIFA fans continue to connect with the MLS through esports,” said Sam Turkbas, EA SPORTS FIFA Esports Commissioner. “The natural synergy of football and esports, combined with the authenticity of the eMLS and all the participating clubs, positions this season well for strong competition.”

For more details head over to the official page.