The Champions League will continue to be played on PlayStation from Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Fourteen years later, Jean-Michel Aulas’ punchline after an OL defeat at home to their rivals, AS Saint-Etienne, still resonates. “We lost against Saint-Étienne for the first time in sixteen years. We are playing in the Champions League while the Stéphanois, they play on the PlayStation”he thundered while he was still the boss of the Lyon club.
Sony Interactive Entertainment extends with UEFA
The cult console of the Sony Interactive Entertainment group remains associated with the Cup with the Big Ears since the Japanese conglomerate has extended its partnership with UEFA until 2027, thus perpetuating a collaboration of almost three decades around the Champions League.
The expansion, the financial details of which have not been disclosed, will allow the PlayStation brand to maintain significant visibility during matches, notably through the iconic “U”-shaped panel bordering the pitches. The Japanese giant will also benefit from an increased presence on digital platforms and at events such as the UEFA Champions Festival.
“Football is extremely popular within the PlayStation community”
“Football is hugely popular within the PlayStation community, and we are excited to continue to bring the worlds of football and gaming closer together.”notes in a press release the senior director of partnerships and marketing activations at Sony Interactive Entertainment, Jill Erb.
“SIE has been a global sponsor since 1997, and this renewal underlines the enduring commitment of both organisations to continually improve the fan experience and enable fans and gamers around the world to experience the passion of the most prestigious club competition on the planet.”continues Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA’s Marketing Director.
The partnership covers several flagship competitions, including the Women’s Champions League, the Youth League and the Futsal Champions League. Sony will also retain prerogatives such as the designation of the player of the match and the organization of esports competitions.
