Who Needs FIFA When You Have Deep Pockets?
Word on the pitch is that EA and English Premier League clubs have reached a lucrative partnership for the foreseeable future.
Arguably one of the most critical factors that will keep Electronic Arts, with its soon-to-come title EA Sports FC the frontrunner in football video games is what licenses they hold onto and what ones they lose.
Related: What’s all included in FIFA 23 Title Update 8? – Answered
Since FIFA’s initial publication, having all the rights to clubs, players, stadiums, and more has kept them ahead of the pack. Once the rumors broke that the football giant and video game giant were parting ways after a thirty-year partnership, it was clear there was a lot of groundwork to do for EA before the next title release.
Thankfully, they are already well on their way with the changeover, having announced many deals and re-instated licenses with top leagues worldwide. Some believe this could have been the best move the creators have made in the franchise’s history.
Related: EA Sports FC Is the New Future Post FIFA & EA Ending Contract
How Much Will EA Be Paying to Keep the Premier League Onboard
The total amount for the new collaboration is around £488 million. That is correct. It took EA close to half a billion to continue using the English Premier League licenses.
At the beginning of the month, all twenty English top-flight clubs sat down with the football franchise to discuss a way forward now that FIFA is no longer part of the branding and title. According to an English club insider, this deal will see teams pull in around £80m for the next six years.
Have Electronic Arts Got Deals Deals in Place for Other Leagues?
As we know, FIFA 23 signals the end of an era, as the World Cup will no longer be a part of the game after the breakup between FIFA and Electronic Arts. However, it was long ago confirmed by EA that there are still deals in place with other clubs and many leagues.
“Everything you love about our games will be part of EA SPORTS FC – the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes will be there. Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football will be there.
Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues that we’ve continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA SPORTS FC. That includes exclusive partnerships with the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, the MLS – and more to come.” Stated Cam Weber, EVP, Group GM EA SPORTS & Racing.
Great news for FUT players who were worried about FIFA Ultimate Team, what the future has installed for them, and the new title EA Sports FC.
