NFL fans who love playing the Madden series of video games can rejoice. Those who wanted a viable competitor to the venerable series will remain disappointed.
That’s because the NFL and EA Sports, the publisher of the Madden games, agreed to extend the exclusive licensure through 2026. It means only EA Sports can use the NFL team logos, NFLPA players, player likenesses and the NFL’s marketing in any professional football video game. The NFLPA also approved the extension.
Madden has been one of the most popular video game franchises for over 30 years. The 2021 edition of the game, featuring Lamar Jackson on the cover, will be released to the public in August.