Goal! EA Extends Licensing Deal With LaLiga Through '30

EA has extended its licensing contract with LaLiga through '30, allowing the video game maker to “retain exclusive access to the Spanish top-tier soccer league for its flagship football franchise 'FIFA,'” according to Ayanti Bera of REUTERS. The 10-year deal is the “longest renewal in the history of the company's partnership with LaLiga.” Financial terms were not disclosed. LaLiga since returning to competition earlier this month has used “virtual images of stands in television broadcasts with added ‘fan audio’ produced by EA, in order to make the matches in empty stadiums more appealing to viewers” (REUTERS, 6/24). The renewal includes both sides “trying to grow esports participation through LaLiga's official esports competition, eLaLiga Santander” (AP, 6/24).