Epic Games and the A-League bring team kits to Fortnite
A-League football clubs are among 20 professional teams from around the world to partner with Epic Games, with a view to growing the game among young Fortnite players.
Fortnite gamers can now play the game wearing a range of ‘Kick-Off Set’ outfits which include full kits from Sydney FC, Melbourne City and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Sydney FC kits in Fortnite
Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend said the partnership will help promote A-League clubs to millions of Fortnite players around the world.
“The partnership between the A-League and Epic Games is an incredible opportunity to promote our clubs and League to millions of Fortnite players in Australia and around the world,” he said.
“It will put the A-League alongside some of the biggest international clubs such as Man City in the English Premier League, Santos in the Brasileirão and the MLS’ Seattle Sounders.”
As well as wearing A-League and other club kits, gamers will also be able to earn or purchase two new emotes; the ‘Fancy Footwork’ dribbling emote and ‘Pelé’s Air Puch’ celebration.
To earn rewards, players can participate in the Pelé Cup, while anyone playing can also visit the Creative Hub for an immersive football experience throughout the week and join select club-hosted Fortnite tournaments.
Townsend, who is also the commercial lead for the newly established Australian Professional Leagues (APL), added: “There is a significant demographic overlap between the youth audience who love football and those who play Fortnite – this partnership takes us to where our fans are and creates new opportunities to engage with the global game.”
The in-game wearing of A-League jerseys is an Australian-first, with each of Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Western Sydney also to host their own dedicated tournament on 27 January at 5.30pm AEDT.
Gamers will vie with A-League players and Fornite creators, with prizes including exclusive Fortnite and A-League prize packs.
Head of global partnerships at Epic Games, Nate Nanzer, said football is “consistently one of the top sports that our players tell us they want to see” in Fortnite.
“We’re excited to partner with Melbourne City FC, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers to bring ‘the beautiful game ’to Fortnite fans around the world as they face off in competitive tournaments, experience new creative modes of gameplay, and celebrate global football.”
The partnership follows the A-League recently becoming independent from Football Australia (formerly the FFA), with the league now under the control of the APL
When the split was announced, the A-League heralded it as a new age for commercial opportunities, something which is already being realised.
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Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
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