Monday December 4, 2023

EA Could Drop ‘FIFA’ Name from Iconic Series

  • Electronic Arts is considering dropping "FIFA" from its soccer game series.
  • Its current licensing deal with FIFA expires in 2022.
EA/Design: Alex Brooks
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Selection Turns Heads with Controversial Selection

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Lane Kiffin

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.
LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA Womens Basketball Final Four National Championship at American Airlines Center.
November 6, 2023

Who Is The Highest-Paid Women’s College Basketball Coach?

LSU rewarded Kim Mulkey after winning a national title after her second year leading the program.
The Pac-12’s Collapse Will Have Ripple Effects on College Basketball.
November 6, 2023

The Pac-12’s Collapse Will Have Ripple Effects on College Basketball

The existing Pac-12 host a college basketball season for the last time.
Favre Presley
November 3, 2023

Brett Favre Controversy Casts Shadow Over Mississippi Gubernatorial Race

Candidate Brandon Presley has made the scandal one of his talking points.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers
PFL Bellator

PFL Completes Acquisition of Bellator, Readies to Challenge UFC

“Today, the MMA market changed,” PFL Founder Donn Davis said.
CAA logo on side on building
November 13, 2023

CAA Forms Sports-Focused Investment Bank In Continued Expansion Push

Powerhouse agency looks to further expand dealmaking capabilities
November 14, 2023

German Soccer Pushing $1.1B Rights Deal To Private Equity Investors

Governing body mounting third attempt for outside investment
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell drives on the track during the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix Launch Party at Las Vegas Strip.
November 10, 2023

Ticket, Hotel Prices Plummet As Las Vegas GP Nears

Lack of competitive drama for F1 event fuels market crash
November 9, 2023

McMahon Selling $713M In TKO Stock, CEO Emanuel Could Be A Buyer

Bombshell announcement to bring big changes to company's ownership structure
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts wears the ALS Lou Gehrig Day and Motorola patches during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park.
November 8, 2023

Major U.S. Sports Leagues Pull In Record $6.7B in Ad Revenue

Major U.S. sports leagues and teams saw big increases in ad revenues.
November 8, 2023

Sports A Bright Spot For Endeavor Amid Ongoing Turbulence

Majority interest in TKO, PBR fuel notable gains for company