UAE Opens Bidding for E-Gaming League Franchises Ahead of 2025 Launch

The Emirates Esports Federation (EEF) and ITW Universe have opened bidding for franchise slots in the upcoming E-Gaming League (EGL), giving investors, esports teams, and businesses a chance to secure a spot in the UAE’s growing competitive gaming scene. The league is positioning itself as a major esports hub, with financial incentives for franchise owners.

The E-Gaming League (EGL) is set to launch in March 2025. It will feature six franchise teams competing across various game genres, including Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), First-Person Shooter (FPS), sports, and racing games.  Specific titles have not been officially announced yet.

While the exact franchise fee has not been disclosed, interested parties must pay a non-refundable $2,000 application fee. Accepted franchisees will need to submit 10% of the total fee within 10 days, with contracts finalized by March 12. The EGL will feature 24 franchised teams across major regions, competing for a $1 million per-season prize pool, covering both prize money and player salaries.

The first season is set to begin on May 22. Franchise owners will receive a 60% revenue share, a 50% guaranteed return on their licensing fee, and a permanent EGL franchise license. Player registration will open in late March, followed by a draft in April.

EEF President Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan called the EGL a “transformative platform” for long-term investment in esports, emphasizing its role in fostering stability and global collaboration. EEF General Secretary Saeed Ali Al-Tahir echoed this sentiment, stating that the league is designed to position the UAE as a global esports hub. According to EEF estimates, the global esports industry is valued at $5.17 billion.