NEW YORK – (Feb 28, 2025) – From March 12 - 14, 2025, Major League Soccer (MLS) and EA SPORTS FC PRO are presenting eMLS Cup Week 2025, which consists of a three-day event that will lead up to the eMLS Cup Final on Friday, March 14 at the Whitney Museum of American Art . This culminating event – coinciding with Whitney’s Free Friday Nights – will merge gaming, sports, music, and art.
Featuring elite EA SPORTS FC 25 competition with participation from some of the world’s best, eMLS Cup 2025 will also feature a panel discussion with emerging and established athletes, high-energy music performances, and immersive art experiences. The blending of these engaging elements will showcase the future of sports, gaming, and digital fandom.
“eMLS Cup bridges the excitement of matchday with the world of competitive EA SPORTS FC gaming, broadening the growing reach of Major League Soccer and building relationships with new fans.” said Camilo Durana, MLS EVP. “We’re excited to showcase eMLS in New York City and to fans around the world.”
Four Core Programs Define 2025 eMLS Cup Week:
2025 eMLS Cup Final – March 14 at the Whitney MuseumTIME: 11am - 3pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
North America’s top EA SPORTS FC competitors will battle for a $50,000 prize pool and two spots in the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Championship. The event will be co-streamed with EA SPORTS FC, serving as a platform for young audiences to explore career pathways in sports and gaming.
GAME ON: Next-Gen Fandom Panel – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 5 - 6:30pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Featuring thought leaders, industry disruptors, and Gen Z voices, including former NFL star and avid EA SPORTS FC gamer Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, this panel will explore the evolution of sports consumption, the influences of gaming, hip-hop,
digital art and sneaker culture, along with how authenticity in the digital age is essential for audience engagement.
Live performances by Cash Cobain & DJ Silvasoundz – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 7:30pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Bronx-based rapper and record producer Cash Cobain will perform a set from his debut studio album Play Cash Cobain. This culminating performance at the 2025 eMLS Cup Final will also feature a DJ set by Silvasoundz.
Whitney Free Friday Nights – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 5 - 10pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Attendees can explore an immersive cultural experience at the Whitney Museum and enjoy all that the museum has to offer, including its leading collection of digital art. During this special edition of the Whitney’s weekly Free Friday Nights program, visitors will enjoy:
- Interactive gaming activations, presented by the eMLS, showcasing cutting-edge esports technology.
- Live music, dancing, food and beverage specials, gallery tours, and access to the entire museum, including critically acclaimed exhibitions, and the Whitney's leading collection of digital art, including augmented reality (AR) works on the 8th floor terrace and in the lobby.
- In-Person: The eMLS Cup Finals and Whitney Free Friday Nights are free and open to the public. Free tickets are required and can be reserved in advance at https://whitney.org/events/emls-ffn-25. Capacity is limited.
- Streaming: Fans can watch live coverage on Twitch or YouTube.