FIFA Is Dead, Long Live EA Sports FC

EA Sports has announced that FIFA, the global governing body of association soccer, and FIFA will be ending their partnership after nearly thirty years. Electronic Arts posted the announcement in a blog that revealed what is next for the footie franchise.

With the current deal dissolving in 2023, EA will no longer use the FIFA name on its popular football series but will instead adopt the moniker of EA Sports FC. While it will be removing any license identity from the name, many of its existing deals with football players and clubs will remain. Cam Weber, General Manager of EA Sports, writes in the blog post, “Everything you love about our games will be part of EA Sports FC – the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs, and athletes will be there.” 

Other than the possible loss of World Cup tournament use, it is not known what might be missing from future iterations. EA still has a large number of participants and teams moving forward.

Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums, and 30 leagues that we’ve continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA Sports FC,” says Weber. “That includes exclusive partnerships with the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, the MLS – and more to come.”

The FIFA 23 looks like business as usual, with more features and World Cup content. Leagues and clubs will also be included. It won’t face any changes. Weber says that we’ll have to wait until summer 2023 to hear more of what’s to come for EA Sports FC.

Do you have a reaction to this new branding? Do you think FIFA is just another name? Or does EA have something to offer with its brand of virtual soccer games? Leave your comments below