FPF and BPI launch eLiga BPI for women on EA FC 26

The Portuguese Football Federation and bank BPI announced eLiga BPI, a new EA FC 26 competition for female players. The opening stage will take place May 17, 2026, at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras. A final four on June 4, 2026, will be held at Arena Portugal as part of the FPF eSPORTS Finals 2026. The total prize pool exceeds €50,000.

The tournament is open to all clubs registered in FPF women’s competitions. Each club may register a Portuguese player to represent the club. The May 17 opening phase will reduce the field, and the top four clubs from that stage will advance to the June 4 final four.

FPF and BPI described the competition as intended to increase visibility for female players in digital football and to create a competitive pathway within the federation’s esports calendar.

BPI is the naming sponsor of Portugal’s top-tier women’s league, Liga BPI. The bank’s involvement in the eLiga BPI is presented as support for equal opportunities and for engaging younger, digitally native audiences.

The federation’s launch statement described the initiative as part of its commitment to develop esports, promote inclusion and raise the profile of female talent.

Commercial interest in women’s esports has grown recently, with tournament expansions such as League of Legends Game Changers EMEA and brand activations including a one-off L’Oréal Paris collaboration with FURIA.