With the longstanding partnership between FIFA and EA Sports coming to an end after 30 iconic years it is a question that pops up every time we think about it: "What happens now?"
What will happen to the game we've come to know for over 3 decades with this seemingly significant change?
Don't worry, we got you covered! Here's everything you need to know about the end of the EA Sports and FIFA agreement and how it will affect the upcoming game EA Sports FC.
Why does EA no longer have the FIFA licence?
EA and FIFA had a long partnership dating back all the way to 1993 that has ended now.
There were 2 major rumoured factors that caused this rift between the two entities:
- FIFA became more aware of the value of their brand and intellectual property rights and demanded a large sum for renewing this agreement, sources said around the figure of $1 Billion over 4 years
- EA felt that the FIFA licence was too expensive, wasn’t bringing enough to the table, and was being restrictive towards EA’s creative freedom
There were other things that went down during the negotiation which ultimately led to EA deciding to part ways with FIFA.
FIFA will now be looking to make a new game with FIFA 25 while EA have announced their latest title will be called EA Sports FC.
Will we see real player names and faces in EA Sports FC?
The licence that offers EA the ability to use real player names and likenesses in their games lies with FIFPro.
FIFPro is a separate non-profit entity from FIFA itself which protects and represents thousands of player image rights and likenesses.
With EA Sports and FIFPro renewing their agreement in 2021 EA Sports FC will be able to feature all these player’s names and likenesses.
Here is what EA representatives had to say in their statement: “... (EA Sports FC 24) will be built on a foundation of inclusivity and innovation, fans will experience unrivalled authenticity with access to more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams, and 30 leagues, with the support of over 300 global football partners that will allow further expansion into areas including both women’s and grassroots football."
Which clubs will EA lose the licence for in EA Sports FC 24?
Since EA Sports have to maintain an agreement with individual clubs and leagues to be able to represent them their licences are completely separate to the FIFA licence.
So our favourite clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, AC Milan and Juventus will be featured with complete kits, badges and stadiums being in the game.
Clubs such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and many many more clubs are involved with EA Sports.
With new deals being signed, there is a chance for clubs such as Lazio, Roma and Atalanta coming back to EA Sports this year.
Will EA have the licence for the same leagues as FIFA 23 in EA Sports FC 24?
EA Sports have licences and individual agreements with every league they represent in the game.
These licences have no relationship with the FIFA licence and so they remain untouched by the breaking of this agreement.
EA will continue to have the licences for all the leagues in FIFA 23 including the new deals signed by the WSL and the NWSL to represent more leagues in Women’s Football.
This way EA Sports FC will also be able to bring relevance and exposure to the growing star of Women’s football through their game.
Will EA Sports FC 24 have the Spotify Nou Camp in game?
One of the biggest pieces missing from EA Sports’ locker has been the licence to represent FC Barcelona completely in their video games.
Konami with their Pro Evo games and the eFootball titles have held the rights to FC Barcelona for years now but this might be changing soon.
With EA Sports being the official named partner of La Liga this season they’ve worked hard to make new deals with all LaLiga clubs and this could see the iconic Nou Camp return to EA Sports titles.
There are slight rumours that it has already been spotted in the official reveal trailer released by EA Sports and LaLiga announcing this new partnership.
What licences does EA Sports FC have now?
Here is a list of all licences confirmed to be in EA Sports FC 24
- UEFA Licence: This will permit them to make content with the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League
- Women’s Champions League
- CONMEBOL Libertadores
- CONMEBOL Sudamericana
- Serie A
- Premier League
- LaLiga
- Ligue 1
- Argentina Primera
- MLS
- Bundesliga
- Scottish Premiership
- EFL
- Eredivisie
- Liga Portugal
- RSL
- K League
- CSL
- Romanian Super League
- D1 Arkema
- Barclay’s Women’s Super League
- NWSL
With new deals signed with LaLiga and Serie A we might see a return of clubs whose representation had been missing from EA Sports titles such as FC Barcelona, Lazio, Roma and Napoli to name a few.
How will losing the FIFA licence impact EA Sports FC 24?
With everything we know it seems more and more likely that losing the FIFA licence while impacting the brand name and visibility, won’t actually make much of a practical difference to the assets within EA Sports FC 24.
While we won’t be able to use FIFA licensed tournaments in game or call it FIFA 24 anymore EA Sports have managed to make sure the game maintains the realism it is known for.
In fact, losing this licence might end up being beneficial as EA looks to get more creative with their game.
With strong speculations of Women’s Football being introduced to Ultimate Team and playing alongside Men’s Football stars fans should strap in for a new chapter in football gaming history.
To stay updated with all the relevant news coming in for EA Sports FC 24 stay tuned to FUT.GGs News page. What do you think about EA Sports and FIFA ending their partnership after so long? Let us know below!