EA Sports Closing on £500 Million Deal with English Premier League

Bagged.

EA Sports is close to sealing a deal believed to be worth almost £500 million (~$603 million) with the Premier League. Sky News reports that all 20 of the English top flight’s clubs have been briefed on the contract, which will allow the video game publisher to remain a key league partner and exclusively incorporate its branding into its renamed EA Sports FC series for the next six years.

The extension is believed to be worth more than double the company’s previous contract, underlining the global importance of the league. Major clubs outside of the Premier League, such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus, are becoming increasingly concerned they can’t compete commercially with the clout of the English top flight – prompting ongoing discussions about some kind of European Super League.

But for EA Sports, retaining rights to the Premier League will be crucial as it cuts ties with FIFA and looks to rebrand its iconic video game franchise. It’s worth noting this deal does not include player image rights, but will allow it to continue to sponsor awards like Player of the Month and also include the Premier League’s logos and league format within its games.
 

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