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

# 61 DJ @ 02/14/11 09:36 PM

Not a big deal to me. While I think EA still has a lot of work to do to bring us the football game we all deserve, I have to admit that the past 2 games have been improvements from what we saw the first 4 years on the 360/PS3.

I've since accepted the fact that we'll likely never see 4-5 developers making games for each sport. All I'm looking for now is for those publishers that are producing games to provide us with a fun, yet deep, gaming experience. Madden still has some work to do in that department, but I believe they are getting there.

# 62 Facts @ 02/14/11 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palo20


	I like it. I trust Ian and Co.

I got a couple of cars I would like you to buy.

# 63 khaliib @ 02/14/11 09:39 PM

Same game engine through 2014!!!

I guess I'm wondering what foolish person would run out and buy the next tier of console, when sports games for the current systems have not been developed to maximize their potential?

Well, it's not EA's fault or the NFL's fault. It's you the foolish consumer that complains about this game, yet you go out and spend $60, just to trade it in and complain even more. If all the people who complained they didn't like this game, stop buying what they hate so much, then this deal would be worthless.

But you keep buying, so as hard of a pill it is to swallow, it's your fault!!!

I've been saying Rent-before-Buy for the past 3 years, but it seems to be such a hard concept to grasp or folks just have little self control and must go buy.

What's sad is that you buy knowing exactly what your going to get.

Can't get mad, your dollars are the Glue to such a deal.

Hey, if your really "Hardcore" as you say you are, and want authentic football without the gimmicks, then a Non-NFL/NCAA Brand shouldn't really matter to you as long as it's what you see on TV, right?

Maybe one of the writers could do a "Poll" to see how many gamers would buy an authentic football game without the brand names. Let's see what the numbers really look like (as far as on the OS Forum).

Count me as a Buy for "Authentic" Non-Brand Name football!!!

# 64 BrownsFan72 @ 02/14/11 09:55 PM

Sad. Sad. Sad.

# 65 DaReapa @ 02/14/11 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaliib


	Same game engine through 2014!!! I guess I'm wondering what foolish person would run out and buy the next tier of console, when sports games for the current systems have not been developed to maximize their potential? Well, it's not EA's fault or the NFL's fault. It's you the foolish consumer that complains about this game, yet you go out and spend $60, just to trade it in and complain even more. If all the people who complained they didn't like this game, stop buying what they hate so much, then this deal would be worthless. But you keep buying, so as hard of a pill it is to swallow, it's your fault!!! I've been saying Rent-before-Buy for the past 3 years, but it seems to be such a hard concept to grasp or folks just have little self control and must go buy. What's sad is that you buy knowing exactly what your going to get. Can't get mad, your dollars are the Glue to such a deal. Hey, if your really "Hardcore" as you say you are, and want authentic football without the gimmicks, then a Non-NFL/NCAA Brand shouldn't really matter to you as long as it's what you see on TV, right? Maybe one of the writers could do a "Poll" to see how many gamers would buy an authentic football game without the brand names. Let's see what the numbers really look like (as far as on the OS Forum). Count me as a Buy for "Authentic" Non-Brand Name football!!!

You are so right, m'man. I can proudly proclaim that I haven't purchased a Madden game since the PS2 era and don't see that changing anytime soon. Just as others have stated, 2K just needs to focus their attention on gaining a share of the NCAA license. This has gotten beyond ridiculous.

# 66 bluengold34_OS @ 02/14/11 09:57 PM

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little............

# 67 RedZoneD25 @ 02/14/11 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Details


	Until they extend the deal again.

Well, if that happens (long term extension)...Yes, then I will be livid. I'm not willing to nail the coffin of Madden yet, it really and truly hinges on this year. Year 3 in the NFL is when you can begin to accurately assess a draft class, well here's year 3 for the current group of Madden devs. Make or break for me here.

re:Giants4Natic-

I didn't want to quote your whole post, but I may have a little insight past the "IT SUX" portion of the angry comments. To me, back in the mid 00s when Madden was perceived to be at it's "prime" on PS2, obviously it had competition but that's not the point I'm after. Let's just use Madden 05 as an example. Madden 05 was a beautiful game. It had tons of depth, customization, mass replay value, and other mini modes to keep the user interested beyond a play now game. Madden didn't need to pimp out it's name for commercial time, because it was a GREAT game that did more than just "stand out" ...It was THE sports game for it's time (the "other" game not withstanding, but that's a different topic for a different time). All I'm getting at, is that buyers now are paying more money for less product than a game that was released seven years ago this August. They (and to some extent, I) am frustrated because Madden is selling more now because they buy more airtime through media to advertise it...Which wouldn't be a problem to the "hardcore gamer" minus that the airtime is geared to a casual crowd (because they're alienating the people who want nothing more than to love this game) by continually not adding back the features (and improving/adding new ones) that were so enjoyable in previous versions for those who are interested to enjoy.

Just my .02, sorry for the paragraph sentence at the end.

# 68 Dog @ 02/14/11 10:10 PM

Can't say I agree with it, but not because of the quality of the game. It would be nice to have a variety.

# 69 bluengold34_OS @ 02/14/11 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giants4Natic


	I for one do not understand the hate on Madden. Any game that is out for more then 2 decades is going to get some people angry of the games development. Madden series has been a staple of gaming and is not going to stop. Anybody who thinks that if 2K was to make 2K12 that it will outsell Madden 12 is not thinking straight. I love Madden. Is it perfect? Noooo But it is not to the point that some of you think it is. I also still play 2K5 and that is far far from perfect. EA is making a killing with Madden and so is the NFL. They are doing what any smart company would do. Make money If Madden was such a bad game then it would not sell and EA would have to give up the license. But Madden is far from terrible and it sells big time even with its drop in sales. It is going to take a lot more bad years of sales for Madden to lose the license. 2K can't compete with EA when it comes to money. And the NFL loves money

That's all fine and dandy, and if you love Madden thats great. I don't hate Madden, but for the love of all that is holy.....give me a damn choice!! If 2k had purchased the exclusive license for this long, I would probably feel the same towards them.

I'm not tired of Madden, I'm tired of only 1 damn choice.

# 70 PhillyJim76 @ 02/14/11 10:13 PM

This license is EA's until they go out of business.

We will never have an NFL licensed game made by another company again.

Time to face facts people, this is profitable for both the NFL and EA.

# 71 delija66 @ 02/14/11 10:16 PM

horrible news...

# 72 ryan36 @ 02/14/11 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluengold34_OS


	That's all fine and dandy, and if you love Madden thats great. I don't hate Madden, but for the love of all that is holy.....give me a damn choice!! If 2k had purchased the exclusive license for this long, I would probably feel the same towards them. I'm not tired of Madden, I'm tired of only 1 damn choice.

EXACTLY. If there were two or three football games I'd buy them all. Madden is too sterile this gen, I thought other games were too sterile last gen...but theres' room in my ps3 for any good sports game

# 73 bluengold34_OS @ 02/14/11 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyJim76


	This license is EA's until they go out of business. We will never have an NFL licensed game made by another company again. Time to face facts people, this is profitable for both the NFL and EA.

You are probably 100% correct with your statement.

EA SPORTS: You better hope it's in the game, cause you ain't got another choice!

# 74 RaychelSnr @ 02/14/11 10:17 PM

For those who are wanting some in-depth analysis of what this means, and I'd say those of you who are saying 'it's just one more year to wait' probably should take a look, here's the blog I just posted (it's on the OS frontpage too):

http://www.operationsports.com/MMChrisS/blog/12176-in-depth-analysis-why-the-decision-to-extend-one-year-just-bought-madden-a-decade/

Hate the be the deliverer of bad news for sure, but like I say in the blog, competition in each sport is going away -- not the other way around

# 75 illwill10 @ 02/14/11 10:20 PM

Well at least NCAA is steadily improving.
So it isnt NFL, but theres another football game to choose from.

# 76 bluengold34_OS @ 02/14/11 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMChrisS


	For those who are wanting some in-depth analysis of what this means, and I'd say those of you who are saying 'it's just one more year to wait' probably should take a look, here's the blog I just posted (it's on the OS frontpage too): http://www.operationsports.com/MMChrisS/blog/12176-in-depth-analysis-why-the-decision-to-extend-one-year-just-bought-madden-a-decade/ Hate the be the deliverer of bad news for sure, but like I say in the blog, competition in each sport is going away -- not the other way around

Man, I want to post something negative, but what else is left to say. You hit the nail on the head.

I'm going to bed

# 77 mr janny @ 02/14/11 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMChrisS


	For those who are wanting some in-depth analysis of what this means, and I'd say those of you who are saying 'it's just one more year to wait' probably should take a look, here's the blog I just posted (it's on the OS frontpage too): http://www.operationsports.com/MMChrisS/blog/12176-in-depth-analysis-why-the-decision-to-extend-one-year-just-bought-madden-a-decade/ Hate the be the deliverer of bad news for sure, but like I say in the blog, competition in each sport is going away -- not the other way around

Good read. Dead on analysis.

# 78 stoncold32 @ 02/14/11 10:43 PM

Does anyone here know ANYONE in the NFL offices?

Anyone that could pass along a note to Howdy Dood--I mean Roger Goodell?

A janitor, a cook, a secretary, any other position....anyone!?!?!?!

# 79 Bellsprout @ 02/14/11 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoncold32


	Does anyone here know ANYONE in the NFL offices? Anyone that could pass along a note to Howdy Dood--I mean Roger Goodell? A janitor, a cook, a secretary, any other position....anyone!?!?!?!

"Yes, Mr. Goodell, the people of Operation Sports would like you go forgo this very lucrative licensing agreement with EA that's basically free money for the NFL, and instead let other companies make games as well, because we just think it's a nice thing to do."

If the NFL thought they could make more by having an open license, they'd have an open license. But at the end of the day they're a business, and like most businesses they'll do what's best for them and 99% of the time what's best for them is what makes them the most money.

# 80 RedZoneD25 @ 02/14/11 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoncold32


	Does anyone here know ANYONE in the NFL offices? Anyone that could pass along a note to Howdy Dood--I mean Roger Goodell? A janitor, a cook, a secretary, any other position....anyone!?!?!?!

My dad lives 5 minutes away from NFL Films HQ, but I doubt that's of any use. lol

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