Esports World Cup Foundation opens applications for 2026 Club Partner Program
The initiative is backed by a $20 million investment
The Esports World Cup Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 Club Partner Program.
The initiative continues a framework developed over previous editions, combining financial support and strategic guidance to help professional esports clubs scale.
For 2026, the Foundation will support forty clubs, with applications open until December 18th 2025, through the official website. Eight clubs will receive direct invitations based on their performance in the 2025 Club Championship ranking.
These include Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus Pro, AG.AL, Gen.G Esports, and Weibo Gaming. The remaining thirty-two slots will be filled through the open application process.
Creating opportunities
Selected clubs will receive modular funding for campaigns aimed at expanding their audiences, strengthening fan engagement, and exploring new revenue streams.
The 2025 program reviewed nearly two hundred applications and supported forty clubs from China, Japan, India, LATAM, and other regions.
A list of selected clubs for 2026 will be announced in January 2026. Interested organisations can apply on the official Club Partner Program page here.
