The English Football League (EFL) has announced a multi-year partnership extension with EA SPORTS FC for a further five seasons through to the end of the 2028/29 season.
Under the agreement, EA SPORTS FC remains an official partner and official licensee of the EFL, allowing the video game franchise to continue providing fans with an ‘authentic in-game experience’ of the EFL, with all 72 clubs and over 1,800 First Team players across its five competitions to be used in the game.
First becoming an official licensee of the competition in 2006, and an official partner ahead of the 2017/18 season, the extension will see EA SPORTS FC partner with the EFL for a further five seasons through to the end of the 2028/29 season.
Ben Wright, Chief Commercial Officer of the EFL, commented: “The EFL is really pleased to extend a long-standing partnership with a globally respected and valued partner in EA SPORTS FC.
“We’re on an exciting new cycle for the League with many more opportunities to explore, and we’re delighted to have an innovative company like EA SPORTS FC with us on the journey.”
In its most recent release, EA SPORTS FC™ 24, 19,000 players from the biggest clubs and leagues around the world were brought to life and made playable for gamers across the globe.
In terms of the EFL, over 75 million matches have been played in-game this season so far, ultimately leading to high-engagement with the competition even when games aren’t being played in person.
Additionally, earlier this year, EA SPORTS FC supported the EFL’s LGBTQ+ History Month initiative and featured the League’s Rainbow match ball – the first to be used in English professional football – for gameplay.
James Taylor, Director of Football Partnerships at EA SPORTS FC, said: “We’re thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with the EFL, allowing us to authentically integrate the world’s original league football competition in EA SPORTS FC 24.
“We hope that the EFL experience in-game can inspire the next generation to play like their heroes from the 72 EFL clubs.”
As mentioned above, this partnership results in global engagement around the clock, which supports the organisation’s recent push to increase visibility worldwide.
At the start of last month, EFL clubs approved international TV rights deals with Pitch International and Relevent Sports to broadcast EFL competitions worldwide for the next four years.
Wright added: “This extension comes off the back of many exciting developments and partnerships for the League, most recently the newly announced international TV rights deal, which adds to the EFL’s global appeal among fans.”
