Business Casual: NFL and EA Extend Madden Video Game Contract Through 2026

TB
Taylor Bagley
Jun 1, 2020
Business Casual Daniel Litwin EA Electronic Arts esports football gaming John Madden Madden NFL MarketScale mlb National Football League nba NCAA nfl nhl Tyler Kern video game

 

Selling more than 130 million copies since it started in 1989, thus, making it one of two video sports games ever to sell more than 100 million copies, the Madden franchise will continue to be a part of the gaming world for at least the next six years. Recently approving an extension of their contract that was set to expire after the 2021 season, the NFL and Electronic Arts (EA) are continuing a relationship that has existed for 30 years, making EA Sports the league’s exclusive publisher of football simulation games through 2026. Worth $1 billion to the NFL and $500 million to the players, as well as $500 million in marketing commitments, this deal tightens the ‘Madden’ grip on the video game market.

NFL VP-Head of Gaming and eSports Rachel Hoagland believes that keeping the Madden franchise at the core of the league’s video gaming strategy is vital, commenting, “EA has done a nice job of ensuring the game matches the experience during a game week. The new technology will allow richer content and add more realism.”

Daniel Litwin, Taylor Bagley, and Tyler Kern take on all things pigskin on this Business Casual snippet. First, the hosts break down the various parts of the new contract, EA’s exclusive rights to NFL simulation games that have existed since 2005 versus the NFL’s recent deal with 2K to debut a non-simulation (arcade-style) NFL game, and the loosening of NCAA football videogame licensing restrictions that will now allow college players to profit off their likenesses. But the Business Casual tag-team also discuss how optimistic conversations centered around the NHL, NBA and MLB reopening their seasons soon will impact the NFL’s decision to retake the field, as well as the NFL Players Association’s stance on player safety.

Coming to you each Wednesday and Friday, MarketScale’s Business Casual brings thought leadership to your day, keeping you current with the hottest topics and newest trends shaping business, culture and sports. And for the latest thought leadership, news and event coverage across B2B, be sure to check out our industry pages.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

promoted
How to Succeed After Getting Promoted: Seeking Feedback, Acting with Intention, and Leading with Perspective
April 16, 2026

Stepping into a leadership role today isn’t just a step up—it’s a shift into constant visibility, where expectations arrive immediately and the margin for error narrows. As organizations flatten structures and demand faster decisions, newly promoted leaders are expected to deliver impact from the outset, often without the space to fully adjust. According to…

Read More
AI in business
A Practical Conversation About AI in Business: From Hype to Real-World Impact
April 15, 2026

Artificial intelligence has moved from buzzword to boardroom priority at a staggering pace. Yet despite widespread adoption, many organizations are still struggling to turn experimentation into measurable business value—some estimates suggest the majority of enterprise AI initiatives fail to scale successfully. As AI becomes “table stakes” across industries, the real challenge is no longer…

Read More
weekly drive-in
Metropolis: Weekly Drive-in
April 15, 2026

Metropolis “Weekly Drive In” reflects a new era of storytelling where AI meets real-world execution, turning everyday field performance into momentum. Centered on genuine conversions and local wins, the series highlights how the company is scaling not just through technology, but through visibility and shared recognition. In an emerging recognition economy, these updates act…

Read More
Drive In, Drive Out: The Rhythm of Metropolis
April 15, 2026

Behind the seemingly mundane choreography of a drive-in lies a broader story about how modern cities script behavior, turning even the simplest actions into rehearsed routines. What looks like repetition is really a quiet testament to systems designed for flow and control, where efficiency often outweighs individuality. In places like Metropolis, the rhythm of…

Read More
Related
virtual physical therapy
Software & Technology
Virtual Physical Therapy and the Changing Landscape of Athlete Care
March 3, 2026
NBA
Healthcare
Slow Stories in a Fast League: Why the NBA Still Deserves Real, In-Depth Journalism
November 3, 2025

In a sports world increasingly defined by short-form clips, social algorithms, and viral takes, long-form storytelling remains a vital counterweight — the place where depth, nuance, and narrative still matter. The NBA, perhaps more than any other league, sits at the center of this tension: every quote can become a meme, every story a highlight…

Read More
college football
Healthcare
Coaching Insights: Inside the Relentless Pressure and Changing Realities of Modern College Football
October 27, 2025

The college football carousel is spinning faster than ever—accelerated by the transfer portal, NIL, and playoff-or-bust expectations. In this environment, staff turnover isn’t just a headline; it’s a human story affecting assistants and families who don’t have eight-figure buyouts. As discussed in this episode, a widely cited estimate suggests a majority of portal entrants…

Read More