Electronic Arts’ “FIFA 22” game already has 9.1 million players following its global release on Oct. 1, but it may be the last to use the FIFA name.
The company is “exploring the idea of renaming our global EA SPORTS football games,” wrote EA Sports GM Cam Weber. “This means we’re reviewing our naming rights agreement with FIFA.”
This would not affect EA’s existing soccer licensing partnerships with UEFA, CONMEBOL, Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and others. EA’s current deal with FIFA runs until 2022.
- Dropping “FIFA” from its soccer franchise title would not be a trivial move: The “FIFA” series is estimated to be worth over $2 billion annually to EA.
- The company made $6.1 billion in revenue in the 12 months ending June 30.
- “FIFA” holds gaming name and likeness rights across European soccer but has lost four Serie A clubs to “Pro Evolution Soccer” maker Konami: Juventus, Atalanta, AS Roma, and Napoli.
EA’s five-year, $1.5 billion licensing deal with the NFL and NFLPA runs through 2026, allowing for NFL logos and player likenesses in its “Madden” series.
The company is exploring college football name and license deals as it looks to revive its long-dormant “NCAA Football” franchise in 2023.
