The Esports Foundation said on the 2nd that it selected 40 global esports clubs, including Gen.G and T1, for the "2026 Esports Foundation Club Partner Program."
Gen.G and T1, selected for this program, will join leading esports clubs worldwide to take part in initiatives to expand the global esports ecosystem.
The club partner program operates on an annual scale of $20 million, providing participating clubs with grants of up to $1 million, along with strategic support and global exposure opportunities. Through this, clubs will work to expand their brands and fan bases ahead of the Esports World Cup 2026.
Since its launch in 2023, more than $100 million has been invested over three years, supporting club growth across a range of areas including tournament operations, marketing, and fan engagement.
The clubs selected this time include leading global esports powerhouses such as G2 Esports, Team Liquid, Fnatic, NAVI, Edward Gaming, JD Gaming, Team Vitality, DRX, Gen.G, and T1, in addition to Gen.G and T1. Spanning regions including North America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, China, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America, the program demonstrates global scalability.
During the season, the selected clubs plan to expand touchpoints with fans through online and offline activities such as content production, creator collaborations, fan campaigns, watch parties, and community events.
T1 CEO Joe Marsh said, "The club partner program provides a platform to share with fans the key moments that shape the seasons of players and teams," adding, "We hope fans can closely follow that journey through the voices of the community that brings to life the stories of the players and the energy of the team."
Hans Yagnow, EF director of club, national team, and player relations, said, "The Esports Foundation Club Partner Program targets fans around the world and is leading changes in how esports is experienced," adding, "Through past programs, we have provided a platform for clubs to strengthen their brands and communicate with fans, and those outcomes are translating into real impact."
He added, "This year, as new clubs join alongside established powerhouses, the program is expanding further in high-growth markets such as Latin America, India, Turkey, and Southeast Asia, which is further reinforcing the global nature of the esports ecosystem."