NFL agrees on new $1.5 billion deal with EA Sports for Madden video game franchise: Report

NFL has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth $1.5 billion with Electronic Arts (EA Sports) to continue Mden video game franchise. As per reports, NFL and NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) approved deal on Thursday which will see league pocketing $1 billion. Players will receive $500 million during this time while ar $500 million is conditional, depending on marketing commitments. According to  MMQB, new deal will run through 2025 season but can be extended for ar year of revenue markers are hit. 

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NFL and EA Sports deal

Despite NFL and 2K agreeing to a multi-game deal, as it appears, EA Sports' Mden franchise will be flagship simulation game for fans of sport. Earlier this year, NFL and 2K agreed to a deal that will see multiple games surrounding NFL launch in 2020 and 2021. However, unlike Mden franchise, those games will be n-simulation titles. An arce-style game like NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a possibility.

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Coming back to Mden, franchise video game series was created in 1989 and has been  exclusive NFL video game since 2005. Earlier, 2K used to compete with Mden franchise, with ESPN NFL 2K5 being last one to be launched. In 2005, EA Sports locked in NFL with an exclusive deal, hence ending hopes of  competing franchise.

Since its release in 1989, Mden has sold over 130 million copies worldwide. It is one of only two sports games to sell more than 100 million copies alongside EA Sports' FIFA series.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was cover athlete for Mden NFL 20. quarterback h a stunning 2019 season as he helped Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV and also scooped Super Bowl MVP award. Mden NFL 21 will see Baltimore Ravens quarterback and reigning league MVP, Lamar Jackson, star as cover athlete. Mden NFL 21 will reportedly be released in August this year. A first look and a teaser for game will be released next week. 

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