It may still seem unbelievable that either EA or FIFA would want to dissolve their long-term partnership, but both parties have revealed that it is very likely that a renewal won’t happen.
The negotiations between EA and FIFA appear to have apparently broken down after the highest governing body of association football has reportedly asked the EA to pay $1 billion (£744,000) every four years to continue their long-term partnership.
As a result, EA have already trademarked the name “EA Sports FC”.
EA is done with FIFA. No more negotiations. The future title will most likely be named ‘EA Sports FC’.
— FIFA Infinity (@FIFA_Infinity) November 5, 2021
Since then, 2K Games has emerged as a potential alternative for the 28-year-old, multi-billion franchise.
2K already have a number of huge hit titles in the gaming market, including NBA 2K series, PGA Tour 2K, and WWE 2K and is reportedly currently under talks to acquire the FIFA license.
According to The Metro, Strauss Zelnick, chairman and chief executive of 2K parent company Take-Two, was suspiciously non-committal about a purchase of the FIFA gaming licence.
“That’s a big step forward for us… we haven’t been in that sport before,” he said when questioned on the reports by investors during an earnings call. And erm, I think I’ll leave it at that today.”
This statement clearly suggests that 2K is already in talks with FIFA, and a recent interview (transcribed by Video Games Chronicle) suggested that talks were or will be taking place between the two gaming giants.
🚨 BREAKING: 2K Sports are in discussions with buying the FIFA Football Licence from EA Sports. 😳
— FUTZone – FIFA22 (@FUTZONECENTRAL) November 4, 2021
Discussions regarding FIFA’s licensing are likely to intensify in the coming month but as things stand, the future of the franchise hangs firmly in the balance.
