Madden 12 News Post

EA/NFL Extend NFL Exclusive License by One Year to 2013

07:10 PM - February 14, 2011 by RaychelSnr

The Sports Business Journal is reporting that the NFL and EA have come to terms on extending the current exclusive deal one more year with the uncertainty surrounding the 2011 NFL Season.

Quote:


	"The NFL has restructured its lucrative licensing and sponsorship contract with Electronic Arts to account for the sport�s uncertain future, significantly reducing the video game maker�s contractual obligations next season but adding a year to the deal, according to several well-placed sources. The contract now runs through 2013. The league is believed to have so far rebuffed pleas for fee reductions from other licensees and sponsors, many of which, like EA, find it difficult planning for the next season under the threat of a work stoppage. The league�s collective-bargaining agreement with the players expires March 4, and the two sides are far apart on reaching a deal. EA, however, is a special case, with its iconic �Madden� video game title. The licensing deal it agreed to with the league in early 2008 is believed to be worth well into nine figures in guarantees and royalties over its original five-year term. That stands as one of the most, if not the most lucrative non-TV contract the NFL enjoys. The NFL Players Association, which signed a companion EA deal for rights to the players, reaps regularly between $30 million and $40 million annually, according to the union�s annual filings with the Labor Department. The league deal allows EA to use team colors, names and logos."

This basically means that EA has exclusive rights to Madden now until after Madden NFL 14 -- or roughly right about the time the next generation of consoles are set to hit.

This just shows how strong of business partners the NFL and EA Sports are at this point. The NFL is giving EA a break on payments this year and has basically given them an additional year as a make-up of sorts to make right. Also, if you read my 2011 Predictions Post back in January, you saw this was my first prediction, that the deal would be extended in some way this year.

So in that respect, this news is not unexpected -- and with the deal stretching into the next console generation, I have serious doubts any other company is going to be in a position enter the market anytime soon due to the extreme cost of entry into quality sports game development that will be present at that time.

Thanks to Pasta Padre for the news tip.

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Member Comments

# 321 SageInfinite @ 02/16/11 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjcheezhead


	Your right, it wouldn't be as much of an outcry, there should have been tho. Looking back to the original deal, I think I was one of the few guys who were playing Madden 05 and still was really upset about it. To this day it amazes me how many madden fans seem to relish in the idea that Madden is the only option. I often ask myself if these guys have ever popped in Madden 08 or 09 on ps2 and noticed how much less Madden 11 on current system actually delivered? And they get charged an additional $10-20 to play the new version. Imo, we have the exclusive license to thank for that and I don't know about anyone else, but knowing 2k fans have no game to play at all doesn't make me feel any better about getting screwed as well.

Yea I loved Madden 05 and was pretty upset. I also don't understand how anyone can be happy about this deal that was made(initial and the extension). I guess it's just a selfish mind-state.

# 322 blklightning @ 02/17/11 01:29 AM

this is beyond ridiculous. so now we have to wait til 2014 to get a good football game. hell, ps4 and xbox 720 will be out before we get another good football title. thanks, nfl.

# 323 md8 @ 02/17/11 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickey1331


	I dont understand why people blame EA and not the NFL. I mean this is really the NFLs fault EA just had the money to do it.

For me I blame EA more because they are the one not improving the game as much as they could. And when they make improvments, they usually break something else.

Like the running game this year. I never had a problem running in years past, but this year they made it easier. Too easy. There are so many problems with the running game I'm not even going to start naming them.

EA talked about how the completion percentage was too high. So instead of improving the AI so they aren't ******s half the time, they thought it would be a good idea to make your QB miss the WR, or have the WR's drop the ball. Really awesome to have a WR wide open 3 times in a row only to have them drop it 3 straight times.

Why is the game still not as good as '05?? It's because EA knows they can just slowly improve the game each year.

I've always liked Madden more than 2k. But not having that completion has really hurt the game I've loved. Part of that's the NFL's fault, but it's still on EA for not giving a crap about their fans.

# 324 Paytonsplace @ 02/17/11 05:10 AM

Folks,

Only the NFL has renewed for another year. The NFLPA has not.

Make of that what you will.

# 325 RedZoneD25 @ 02/17/11 06:36 AM

^^ Interesting point.

# 326 DarkOmnios @ 02/17/11 08:54 AM

I dont mind if Madden will continue to have the NFL license.

Why dont other company make a game with a powerful edit tool??? Madden 11 was ok, after the patch's the game was good to play, problem was the lack of replay. And that is something a company could work without having to think with the license.

# 327 Only1LT @ 02/17/11 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacMatt1782


	I understand the business side of this deal. that doesn't mean I have to like it. And I have written a blog about it. Kudos to the business men involved in the deal lining their pockets. No matter what side of the fense you lean on, There should never be customers happy about news like this. It is never a good idea to not have a choice. Well there is a choice. Buy or don't buy. but there is no purchasing alternative for an NFL game. No-one to put pressure on EA to make the best game they can because they don't wanna lose market share. It is only us the consumer who loses out on this deal. To those applauding this deal, enjoy being robbed of a choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kehlis


	To be fair, I haven't seen any posts (other than sarcastic posts) from people applauding this deal. Most of the debate in this thread has been a discussion between people who argue it makes no business sense versus people who think it does. I haven't seen anyone make an argument that it is better for us the gamers.

Not to put words in Maniac's mouth, but he may not be talking about comments on this thread, specifically.

I haven't read all the posts on this thread, and don't care to, but there is no doubt that there are people out there, that are happy about Madden being the only NFL game. They are the same types of people that wish for the PS3/360 to fail, so that their console is the only console.

It's all about bragging rights to them, even though they are too moronic to realize that they aren't "part of the team", and the only people that benefit from situations like that are the product makers, and not the consumers.

# 328 Only1LT @ 02/17/11 08:59 AM

^^^^

Well kehlis. Now you have your first post about someone being happy about this deal. SMH

# 329 RGiles36 @ 02/17/11 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieV


	I don't think anywhere close to 5 million people paid $60 for M11. One million of those sales were on PSP/PS2/Wii, first of all. Secondly, there were all kinds of discounted pre-orders this year, and everybody was selling it at $29.99 pretty much from Thanksgiving until Christmas.

Tomato - tomata. His point still holds weight. Madden itself is profitable even with the exclusive license.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjcheezhead


	To this day it amazes me how many madden fans seem to relish in the idea that Madden is the only option. I often ask myself *if these guys have ever popped in Madden 08 or 09 on ps2* *and noticed how much less Madden 11 on current system actually delivered?* And they get charged an additional $10-20 to play the new version.

I know that the previous generation of Madden's offered a layer of depth that is still unmatched on the PS3/360. But beyond that, I'm still shocked at how much praise those games get.

I recall a few years ago that the biggest gripe with Madden was the line play. There was never a pocket -- just a wall of linemen doing the shuffle. This was a big-big-big issue, or at least it was portrayed to be in several forums. Now the line play is better than it has ever been in Madden IMO, yet there is a faction of folks who'll prefer to play the prev gen Madden with the abysmal line play.

Without straying too far off topic, I guess my point is that if realism is what people clamor for in Madden (and they do), how can people enjoy the previous Maddens so much? I think that the current Maddens from a gameplay standpoint are arguably more realistic than the previous gen editions. That doesn't mean today's game is more fun or more balanced -- just talking in terms of realism.

Not at all challenging you KJ, just making a point.

# 330 roadman @ 02/17/11 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgiles36


	Tomato - tomata. I recall a few years ago that the biggest gripe with Madden was the line play. There was never a pocket -- just a wall of linemen doing the shuffle. This was a big-big-big issue, or at least it was portrayed to be in several forums. Now the line play is better than it has ever been in Madden IMO, yet there is a faction of folks who'll prefer to play the prev gen Madden with the abysmal line play. Without straying too far off topic, I guess my point is that if realism is what people clamor for in Madden (and they do), how can people enjoy the previous Maddens so much? I think that the current Maddens from a gameplay standpoint are arguably more realistic than what the previous gen editions. That doesn't mean today's game is more fun or more balanced -- just talking in terms of realism. Not at all challenging you KJ, just making a point.

I agree with this.

Presentation is not even close to where it should be, but after Decembers patch, the game play on the field has been real good defensively. I almost tossed the game aside and traded it in before the last patch. I'm glad I didn't as the game is playing some of the best that I've seen.

# 331 Only1LT @ 02/17/11 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgiles36


	Tomato - tomata. His point still holds weight. Madden itself is profitable even with the exclusive license. I know that the previous generation of Madden's offered a layer of depth that is still unmatched on the PS3/360. But beyond that, I'm still shocked at how much praise those games get. I recall a few years ago that the biggest gripe with Madden was the line play. There was never a pocket -- just a wall of linemen doing the shuffle. This was a big-big-big issue, or at least it was portrayed to be in several forums. Now the line play is better than it has ever been in Madden IMO, yet there is a faction of folks who'll prefer to play the prev gen Madden with the abysmal line play. Without straying too far off topic, I guess my point is that if realism is what people clamor for in Madden (and they do), how can people enjoy the previous Maddens so much? I think that the current Maddens from a gameplay standpoint are arguably more realistic than what the previous gen editions. That doesn't mean today's game is more fun or more balanced -- just talking in terms of realism. Not at all challenging you KJ, just making a point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	I agree with this. Presentation is not even close to where it should be, but after Decembers patch, the game play on the field has been real good defensively. I almost tossed the game aside and traded it in before the last patch. I'm glad I didn't as the game is playing some of the best that I've seen.

I've wondered this myself many times. The only answers I can come up with is either people really care more about the extra modes than gameplay, or pure nostalgia.

As much as I critique Madden 11, I would say that it is probably the best Madden game ever, in terms of gameplay. How anyone can think that PS2 Madden is better, in terms of gameplay, is beyond me.

I don't know. Maybe I'm in the Twilight Zone or something, but as a savvy gamer who's seen a couple decades of gaming evolution, it's hard to look back, critically, and say that Madden was ever a great depiction of the game of Football. It's had the same issues since the very first Madden on consoles.

Having said that, almost none of the issues of the past iterations have been eliminated, but some of them have been at least lessened in subsequent years, so by default, the gameplay is better than it's ever been.

For what ever that's worth.

# 332 illwill10 @ 02/17/11 09:59 AM

It is seems like the last 6 years(current gen) has been on a rebulding stage . I understood up to Madden 08, but it never took the next step yet. It seems like a 5-11 team up to 08. Madden have been taking baby steps. It seems like there will not be a complete game until there is a another game on the horizon.
I have some faith in MAdden 12. If they can overhaul Franchise, SS, Defense I will be in. This is a big year for most people. There has to be a Huge leap with Madden 12. I never thought I would see a year where NCAA was completely better than Madden, I still play NCAA.
Madden 12 will regardlessly sell well and get high rating from sites that doesnt think highly of them. When you always sell well and get high rating there isnt a huge reason to improve fast.

# 333 roadman @ 02/17/11 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieV


	This is exactly right, but I saw a lot more defending going on back in 2005 when the deal happened. By this point, it's probably only 1 out of a 100 who are happy about Madden being the only game in town.

I'm not happy at all about it being the only licensed game in town, but I think you are under estimating the other 5 or 6 million that purchase the game. No way that it is 1 in 100 who are happy.

# 334 roadman @ 02/17/11 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieV


	Didn't say it was 1 out of 100 who are happy with Madden -- but rather, 1 out of 100 who are happy with it being the only game in town.

Yeah, sorry, I wrote it that way, but I still don't feel that is the case with 5 or 6 other million people.

# 335 ryan36 @ 02/17/11 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquorLogic


	Oh it matters. When you consider the fact that EA was selling more units without the exclusive license, what's the point of paying expensive fee ? Their approach hasn't increased their sales; wasn't that point of the exclusive license ? Is EA that scared of competition ?

NOPE. The NFL has made it an exclusive license. Not EA. If EA wants to sell an NFL game, they have to pay for an exclusive license. If they don't want to sell an NFL game, then they won't have the license someone else will.

# 336 roadman @ 02/17/11 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adfletch71


	I don't believe that one bit. The masses was divided back in O4 and 05. One was presentation and the other was gameplay. If 2k was too continue, the gap would be even larger, because one group would prefer one style over the other.

If the masses were divided back then, why the huge price cut from one of the games?

Too many ifs, would ofs, could ofs, etc........

# 337 ryan36 @ 02/17/11 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	If the masses were divided back then, why the huge price cut from one of the games? Too many ifs, would ofs, could ofs, etc........

2k, as a smaller dev team/company probably could make their game cheaper than Madden could, so they lowered the price to try try drag Madden in the red. Maybe a few more people bought 2k5 than would have at 49.99, but it really didn't make a dent in Madden's numbers people just bought both games.

Here's what I would like someone to explain to me. How can you say "EA doesn't care about their customers" and then say "we're the customer, we have a voice." How can you say "EA doesn't care about us, but we matter to EA"?????

# 338 roadman @ 02/17/11 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryan36


	Here's what I would like someone to explain to me. How can you say "EA doesn't care about their customers" and then say "we're the customer, we have a voice." How can you say "EA doesn't care about us, but we matter to EA"?????

Very good point.

Seems like a one way street, doesn't it?

I can't answer that.

# 339 WeimaBrewer @ 02/17/11 12:36 PM

Haven't played Madden since Madden 06. I felt raped of my money so I decided to never buy it again. All I have to do is come to OS and watch the videos to know not to come within 10 feet of this game. I really hope for consumers sake that this deal will not get extended anymore, but it's all about the money. So in reality, EA will always have the exclusive title and we will be left with incomplete and under developed games every year. I play MLB The Show to get my sports fix. best game ever imo. Thank you, Sony!

# 340 Only1LT @ 02/17/11 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryan36


	2k, as a smaller dev team/company probably could make their game cheaper than Madden could, so they lowered the price to try try drag Madden in the red. Maybe a few more people bought 2k5 than would have at 49.99, but it really didn't make a dent in Madden's numbers people just bought both games. Here's what I would like someone to explain to me. How can you say "EA doesn't care about their customers" and then say "we're the customer, we have a voice." How can you say "EA doesn't care about us, but we matter to EA"?????

I could better answer your question if I knew, in what context, you are asking this question. Is this a direct response to a particular post?

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