The Premier League and EA Sports are set to renew their existing deal for a further six years, and it will be worth a whopping $600 million, according to reports.
Electronic Arts, which has intrinsically been linked with the Premier League since 1998, will pay a huge sum of money to remain the league’s official video game license holder.
However, EA Sports will no longer be able to use the FIFA name or feature the World Cup, but other than that, little is expected to change.
Sky Sports have suggested that all 20 Premier League clubs have been briefed about the potential deal, and that an agreement is on the brink of being thrashed out.
With more and more money being pumped into the Premier League, the deal with EA Sports is certainly a significant one, and the gaming giant has had the rights on player names and clubs since 2016.
It is also thought that the deal will deter the big clubs from joining forces with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus to create a controversial European Super League, with previous plans falling flat in 2021.
EA Sports is believed to have a market value of $30 billion, but they weren’t prepared to discuss the parameters of a deal.
In a statement, EA Sports said: “We don’t comment on details of commercial relationships, or discussions with our partners.
“We’re proud to have a long-standing partnership with the Premier League and its club, and appreciate their support in our plans for EA Sports FC. We have nothing to announce today.”
Since its inaugural season in 1992, the Premier League has exploded in popularity, and its reach is incredible, as it covers all corners of the globe, from Africa and India, through to Thailand and Australia. Indeed, the coverage of the Premier League Down Under is extraordinary, and many of the best betting sites in Australia will have a raft of lines for every game.
At bet365, for example, you can find props and specials to line your betting slips with, but there will also be plenty of futures and outrights too. You can bet on who will finish as the league’s top scorer or who will be crowned champions, and Manchester City have emerged as the favorites at Evens with the sportsbook to win the title for the third year straight.
News of an EA Sports deal underlines the commercial strength of the Premier League, which continues to be a major attraction for foreign investors.
However, EA Sports is also working hard to extend deals with Spain’s La Liga and Germany’s Bundesliga, which are two of Europe’s five biggest leagues, and the Premier League’s main rivals.
Inevitably, the Premier League will continue to go from strength to strength, and the EA Sports deal highlights how the Premier League is able to flex its muscle at any given time. It will be fascinating to see how the Premier League evolves in the years to come working in tandem with EA Sports.