FIFA 23 might be welcoming several new real-life teams for the first time in series history, and it appears that Electronic Arts isn't above striking partnerships with fictional figures as well.
According to EA, Jason Sudeikis' character, Ted Lasso, will join FIFA 23 as one of its many playable managers alongside AFC Richmond, a football club that exists in the hit Apple TV+ show's universe. EA is likely betting that everyone's "favorite mustachioed manager" will be able to attract the show's audiences to FIFA 23.
Ted Lasso is one of Apple TV+'s biggest hits. It continues to win awards with a second Emmy for Outstanding Comedy for the second straight year. VP of Brand for EA Sports FIFA, David Jackson, described the show as a "cultural phenomenon".
Players can choose Ted Lasso in career mode or make their own manager as well as select other real-world licensed managers to handle AFC Richmond. The addition of the fictional football club also means that custom players can join the AFC Richmond club and represent the team. The Greyhounds will also join FIFA 23 as part of the "Rest of the World" in Kickoff, Online Friendlies, and Online Seasons.
Having said that, bringing in characters such as the show's titular football manager as well as fan favorites like Coach Beard, Dani Rojas, and Isaac McAdoo, among others, makes for quite the exciting proposition.
It's worth noting that FIFA 23 is the last time that EA will partner with the FIFA brand. After this, EA will rename the long-running sports sim to EA Sports FC starting next year. As for FIFA, they're on the lookout for their next development partners for a future soccer sim in 2024.
It will be interesting to see if bringing Ted Lasso can propel FIFA 23 to stratospheric sales heights. Madden NFL 23 recently topped sales charts when it launched last month. EA is likely hoping for the same outcome for FIFA 23 when it comes out on the 30th (27th if you pre-ordered FIFA 23).
