As part of the extension of its licensing agreement , Electronic Arts will have to pay $ 1.5 billion to the NFL to extend its business relationship , which gives the US publisher exclusive rights to create simulation games of American football. for the next 5 years, with the possibility of accessing a sixth, if sales support it. This according to sports media Bleacher Report and ESPN journalist Eitan Benezra.
The aforementioned sources assure that, of the aforementioned sum, one billion corresponds to the league and $ 500 million dollars to the NFL players association, which is equivalent to the athletes’ defense union. It is the largest interactive entertainment business deal in NFL history.
The exact sales figures for the last iteration of the series are not available, but it is said that Madden NFL 20 was the best-selling installment in the history of the franchise, which accumulates 130 million copies sold since its origin in late 80’s years.
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The NFL also closed a deal with 2K Sports, though the deal doesn’t cover pretend play.
The full Madden NFL 21 reveal was scheduled for today but was suspended due to widespread protests that have been raging in the United States for a few days.
