EA is close to signing a massive deal with the English Premier League

More importantly, the English Premier League deal will replace the licensing deal between EA and FIFA, a deal that spanned three decades. FIFA reportedly asked for $1 billion for a new licensing deal per four-year World Cup cycle. EA CEO Andrew Wilson recently said that money was partly the reason why the studio chose not to renew the deal with FIFA. However, EA also wants to create the best football video game experience for fans of leagues around the world.

"Money plays a critical role in most negotiations, but the reason we are doing this is to create the very best experiences we can for both players and partners," Wilson said. "As part of that you consider whether or not your investment in one place is better or worse than an investment in another."

EA will lose the FIFA branding and the rights to the World Cup sporting event. However, the game developer has signed 19,000 athletes, 700 teams, 100 stadiums, and over 30 leagues. Fans can still expect real athletes, teams, and venues for EA Sports FC.

The first-ever EA Sports FC will head to the PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, on September 29.