Multi-year Agreement is the Latest Commitment to Provide Fans with Authentic Experiences Across Multiple Platforms with their Favorite Clubs, Players, and Stadiums
Redwood City, Calif. & New York, N.Y. - Aug. 23, 2022 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Major League Soccer (MLS) announced today an extension of their long-term partnership that designates EA SPORTS™ as an Official Partner of MLS and eMLS, unlocking a new era of sports fandom on and off the field, between one of the fastest-growing soccer leagues in the world and a global leader in digital interactive entertainment.
The partnership will deepen the league’s integration within EA SPORTS’ global football franchise, including FIFA 23 and beyond, to deliver the most immersive and authentic gaming experience for the millions of MLS fans, one of the youngest and most diverse fan bases in North American sports. The renewed partnership will continue to further MLS’ authentic in-game integration, with fans able to play with their favorite MLS clubs, players and stadiums.
“As the world’s game continues to grow in North America, so does our opportunity to curate soccer experiences representative of a rapidly evolving fan base,” said David Jackson, VP of Brand for EA SPORTS FIFA. “Given MLS has one of the youngest and most diverse fan populations in North American sports, engaging the next generation in new and immersive ways will become increasingly important. We believe this partnership affords us a great opportunity to do that, whilst also continuing to deliver the most innovative and expansive soccer experiences available anywhere in the world.”
For eMLS – Major League Soccer’s competitive eSports league – EA will serve as an Official Partner of eMLS League Series 1 and 2 and of eMLS Cup. Built around the EA SPORTS™ global football franchise, eMLS’ goal is to utilize gaming to reach global audiences, and grow its next generation of fans. The multi-year agreement will also deliver extensive opportunities for fan engagement, including social media campaigns across MLS and club channels, and co-marketing initiatives between MLS and EA.
“Major League Soccer is proud to partner with EA as they are aligned with our league’s vision to be innovative and authentic in our approach to connecting with our passionate supporters and the next generation of fans,” said Rachel Hoagland, MLS Senior Vice President of Consumer Products. “We look forward to working with EA for many years to come on creative ways to further increase our fanbase through interactivity during this incredible time of growth for MLS.”
FIFA 23 is developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and will be available worldwide on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on September 30, 2022. Early access for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition begins on September 27, 2022.
ABOUT ELECTRONIC ARTS
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.
In fiscal year 2022, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, Madden NFL, Need for Speed™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and F1® . More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.
EA, EA SPORTS, and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. FIFA and FIFA's Official Licensed Product Logo are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 27th season in 2022 -- features 29 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including 2022 expansion team Charlotte FC and St. Louis CITY SC, which debuts in 2023. Starting in 2023, the Apple TV app will be the exclusive destination to watch every single live MLS match. For more information about MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
ABOUT eMLS:
eMLS is the esports and gaming property of Major League Soccer. Built around the EA SPORTS™ FIFA franchise, its goal is to utilize gaming to reach global audiences, raise the profile of MLS, and grow its next generation of fans. eMLS has grown from 19 MLS Clubs in 2018 to 27 Clubs that participated in the 2022 season. For more information, visit www.mlssoccer.com/eMLS.
Contacts:
EA SPORTS FIFA
Eric Escaravage
Global PR Lead, EA SPORTS FIFA
1-604-319-3533
Major League Soccer
Angela Alfano
