The Premier League has signed a new multi-year extension with EA Sports.
The agreement sees English football’s top division become an official licensee and a lead partner to EA Sports FC, the leading football simulation game formerly known as FIFA.
The renewal means that every all 20 clubs, every player, and every stadium and more from the Premier League will be officially inputted into EA’s first game following the break up from football’s governing body, FIFA.
The game had been known as FIFA since 1993, but the two entities split as EA reportedly wanted more freedom with the franchise.
While EA no longer has the FIFA license, it has not lost any of its other existing partnerships connected to the franchise.
According to Metro, EA has ended up paying double the original fee with the deal reaching £488m for Premier League rights across the next six years.
The game is set to be released on 29th September.
As per the extension, the Premier League and EA Sports will continue to collaborate on programmes such EA Sports FC Futures, which invests in grassroots football, and continue with esports tournament ePremier League.
Richard Masters, Chief Executive Officer of the Premier League, said, “Through our long-term partnership, the Premier League and EA Sports have inspired generations of football fans and we look forward to developing this in the years to come.
“The new EA Sports FC 24 game is a significant evolution which we are proud to be a part of. Beyond this, we will continue to develop existing projects as well as introducing exciting new ones.
“Thanks to EA Sports’ support, the ePremier League tournament has been a major success over the last five seasons and we are now developing community initiatives together across the country and in other locations globally.”
Cam Weber, President of EA Sports, added, “EA Sports FC is built on a platform of authenticity and innovation, and our renewed partnership with the Premier League will bring fans closer to their favourite clubs and players.
“Across the entire EA Sports FC ecosystem, the ePremier League, and our shared commitment to investing in community-level football, we’re proud to call the Premier League our partner both on and off the pitch.”
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