Electronic Arts is adding the UEFA Women’s Champions League competition to FIFA 23. The game launched worldwide earlier this month. However, the American company will include the tournament in its last installment in early 2023.
EA is doing more than just adding the Women’s Champions League to FIFA 23. The company has committed to creating an internship program for women. EA planned this in conjunction with the women’s competitions it partners with.
According to SportsPro Media, EA is also entering into an $11 million endorsement deal with DAZN. The network currently owns the global broadcast rights to broadcast the UWCL matches.
EA first introduced women’s teams to the video game series in FIFA 17. The latest edition is the first time, however, it represents the first iteration with women’s competitions. This was due to licensing deals with the English Women’s Super League and France’s Division 1 Women.
“EA Sports is at the epicenter of global soccer fandom and we recognize the role we have in representing and increasing diversity and participation in the sport,” said Andrea Hopelain, Senior Vice President of EA Sports.
FIFA 23 will include the UEFA Women’s Champions League
Meanwhile, Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s director of women’s football, added to the excitement. “We are delighted to see the integration of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in EA Sports FIFA 23,” said Kessler.
“It feels like a natural fit for the best women’s club competition in the world to be a part of the world’s leading soccer simulation game,” Kessler continued. “This is another important step in women’s football and an ideal additional platform for female athletes to contribute to its success.”
FIFA 23 will be the last installment in the series. The company’s license agreement with FIFA is due to expire soon. In the future, the game company will change the name of the annual video game ‘EA Sports FC’.
EA has even started a new marketing strategy to help offset public discontent over the issue. They have already signed a sponsorship agreement with the Premier League for this campaign. EA will also become the majority sponsor of the Spanish LaLiga starting next season.
PHOTO: IMAGO/ANP
