Cursed gameplay and programming, their license-based life and death sports game. That’s why madness was able to crush the NFL2kand that’s why EA FIFA (now called EA sports team) was able to crush Konami PES into the dust. Not because they are the better games, but because they get paid to be the only games that showcase the actual teams you want to see play in the league you want to see them play.
It should therefore come as no surprise that the money involved in securing those rights is approaching Astronomy level. And while we don’t often know about Exactly related figures—video game publishers are nothing if not secret—a sports leak gives us an insight into how much EA has to pay for some of their football rights, and [whistles].
Sky report that “20 Premier League clubs were briefed at a meeting on Friday, a new six-year partnership with EA Sports worth around £488 million is nearing completion”. If finalized under those terms, that would amount to about $588 million. So what will EA get for that spending? This is how the publisher describes it on FIFA 23 website:
EA SPORTS FIFA 23 is the only place where you can experience the competition, energy and excitement of the world’s most famous tournament. Play with all 20 Premier League clubs, complete with their 2022/23 kits and logos as well as authentic broadcasts, commentary and choreography making it the most authentic representation of the tournament; exclusively for FIFA 23 players.
Just like the sky report, it is estimated to be “more than twice as valuable as the existing agreement between the two parties”. It’s a much money, especially when you consider it just one of the dozens about the licensing agreements EA needs to sign for the series. So it should be noted that $588 million is not only to qualify for the Premier League; it’s also a way for EA to continue as one of the main “partners” of the tournament, a sponsorship deal that has made the EA Sports brand appear everywhere, from referee uniforms to to the Premier League Player of the Month award.
If you’re wondering how the hell EA can afford those, be aware that last time publisher released financial results for Ultimate Team digital card sale– exist in madness also but globally dominated by FIFA fans—they made 1.6 dollars Billion.
