English soccer’s top-tier Premier League has agreed a multi-year partnership extension with video game developer EA Sports.
Under the renewed deal, the company’s new EA Sports FC title will serve as the men's league’s lead partner and official licensee.
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EA Sports has been a lead partner of the Premier League since the 2016-17 season, while the licensing agreement with the English top tier for its popular video game series – formerly called FIFA – dates back to the 1998-99 campaign.
Through the extended agreement, all 20 Premier League clubs – including every club, player, manager, stadium, and kit – will feature in the new EA Sports FC 24 game, which will be released on September 29.
The game will be EA's first soccer title since ending its 30-year relationship with international governing body FIFA.
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The partnership will also see the Premier League and EA Sports work together on the creation of community programs, including school soccer initiatives and investment into grassroots facilities, with the launch of EA Sports FC Futures.
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By GlobalDataPremier League chief executive Richard Masters 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 introduce exciting new ones.
“Thanks to EA Sports’ support, the ePremier League [esports] 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.”
Last season marked the fifth installment of the ePremier League esports tournament. This will continue under the new partnership, with the competition forming part of the FC Pro ecosystem.
Cam Weber, president of EA Sports, said: “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 favorite 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.”
Last week, it was reported that German sportswear and equipment manufacturer Puma will replace its US counterpart NIKE as the Premier League's match ball supplier.
