English soccer’s top-tier Premier League (EPL) has agreed a four-year licensing and investment tie-up with virtual reality (VR) software firm Rezzil.

Through the agreement, the league will take an equity stake in Manchester-based Rezzil, while the two will also work together to develop an EPL-centric game, to launch later this year.

That game will “place users on the pitch and in the boots of their favorite Premier League players,” the league has said.

Rezzil’s various software applications are already used by a range of EPL clubs, and the league has now said the new tie-up will provide benefits to teams, broadcasters, and the wider gaming market.

Will Brass, chief commercial officer at the Premier League, said: “We are excited about the ongoing development of VR technology within football. Rezzil is highly respected in the field and has developed an excellent reputation with training products that are being used by many Premier League clubs.”

Andy Etches, Rezzil’s co-founder, added: “By combining our expertise in VR technology with the unparalleled excitement of Premier League soccer, we are looking forward to supporting the Premier League’s fan and player engagement ambitions. Working hand in hand together, we’re poised to bring VR technology to soccer in ways never seen before.”

Rezzil was launched in 2019 and investors in the company include former soccer players Thierry Henry, Gary Neville, and Vincent Kompany.

The company is also part of the NBA’s Launchpad accelerator program.

One of the aforementioned EPL partnerships is a deal Rezzil struck with current champions Manchester City in January 2022.

The EPL, meanwhile, already has the ePremier League operating as its official esports competition, with the 2023-24 campaign being the sixth edition. The ePremier League is run through a collaboration with EPL partner Electronic Arts.