The United Soccer League has unveiled a new Rocket League esports competition for its Championship and League One teams to take part in during the sports shutdown enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The USL eCup: Rocket League Edition is a month-long tournament that will be participated in by 32 teams from across the organization’s professional ranks.
The clubs will be drawn into eight groups of four teams. The tournament’s group stage will run from March 31 until April 10, with the knockout stages between April 13 and April 25.
Every game will be streamed live on Twitch, with additional coverage on the USL’s official website. USL players, fans, celebrity supporters, and team owners will compete for the esports teams.
“We just wanted to create something fun and entertaining,” said USL senior vice president of digital Lizzie Seedhouse. “More than anything, this tournament will be a great way to give clubs and supporters the ability to come together, compete and have some fun.”
The USL Championship and League One seasons are currently suspended until at least May 10 due to the ongoing health crisis.
Numerous sports organizations around the world are leveraging their competitive gaming properties as a means to stay active and relevant in the indefinite absence of live athletic action in arenas and on broadcast channels. They include Nascar, LaLiga, Formula 1, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, IndyCar, and Major League Rugby.
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