The NFL and Electronic Arts renew Madden esports deal

Competitive Madden will be huge for many years, thanks to an all-new contract extension between the NFL and EA.

Less than two weeks remain until Madden NFL 23 comes out, and the long-running football simulation is in for a massive competitive season.

On Wednesday, Electronic Arts (EA) and the National Football League (NFL) announced that the Madden NFL Championship Series (MCS) esports deal will continue. No precise times were given for the extension, only that it’ll keep going for several years.

Perhaps the most noteworthy part of this announcement is that MCS tournaments will coincide with the actual NFL season. For instance, the Ultimate Madden NFL 23 Bowl takes place early next year, right around Super Bowl LVII. Ed Kiang, vice president of gaming at the NFL, claims the partnership will maximize engagement with fans worldwide.

“As a trusted partner for more than 30 years, EA’s commitment to football authenticity with Madden NFL is exemplary,” Kiang said in a press release. “Extending our partnership with EA is another avenue for the League to grow fandom off the field and enhance the EA SPORTS Madden NFL Championship Series by aligning Madden competitive gaming with NFL moments. Our joint efforts will drive the type of excitement that NFL fans expect while also highlighting the best Madden players in the world.”

An astounding $1.7 million prize pool will be spread throughout various MCS tournaments until next February. Both companies are clearly sparing no expense.

“Madden NFL esports continues to deepen the love of the game with fans, players, and viewers. It’s teaching viewers how to improve at the game, while deepening engagement with Madden‘s most loyal fanbase,” Brent Koning, vice president of EA Esports, said in a press release. “Since the MCS started five years ago, it has helped showcase the game by elevating the greatest players in the world, while giving every single Madden NFL player the chance to go from couch to champion. We can’t wait to see how the MCS 23 season unfolds.”

As a reminder, Madden NFL 23 comes out on Aug. 19, 2022, for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. EA already revealed the highest-rated quarterbacks, wide receivers, edge rushers, running backs, cornerbacks, defensive linemen, 99 club members, and overall team stats.

Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.