‘Milestone’ NWSL, EA Sports Deal ’Pushing Boundaries For The Women’s Games’

By Barry Janoff

March 6, 2023: Calling it a “monumental milestone for the league and its players,” the NWSL and the NWSL Players Assn. have signed a deal with Electronic Arts, enabling NWSL players to become part of EA Sports FIFA 23.

Financial terms of the alliance were not shared.

EA said the UEFA Women’s Champions League would also be part of the game.

Beginning March 15 across all platforms, all 12 NWSL teams will be present within Kick Off, Tournament Mode, Head to Head season/Co-op Seasons and Online Friendlies.

Also available in EA Sports FIFA 23 will be four NWSL stadiums, along with authentic kits, starheads, trophies and celebrations.

Of equal importance, EA Sports and the NWSLPA said they would “focus on elevating players on and off the pitch.”

“The NWSL’s integration into EA Sports FIFA 23 is a monumental milestone for the league, the players and millions of football fans around the world as we continue pushing boundaries for the women’s game,” Jessica Berman, NWSL commissioner, said via the league.

“The athletes that call the NWSL home are some of the best in the world and we’re excited for the opportunity to further showcase their talent through this unique gaming experience. We can’t wait for fans to begin playing and we look forward to continuing this celebration of the players and the league when we kick off our 11th season on March 25.”

The alliance is being supported by a preview spot, “NWSL x FIFA 23,” which features NWSL players in action as part of the video game.

A recently released study from FIFA, Setting the Pace: Benchmarking Report on Women’s Football, shows that “Women’s football is continuing to grow and the sport is enjoying the greatest level of global interest in its history,”

“The data in this year’s report underscores that organizations that are prepared to invest in women’s football are receiving a return," Sarai Bareman, FIFA chief women’s football officer, said via the organization when the study was released.

"And we expect this will only increase as more clubs and leagues, as well as broadcasters and partners, truly recognize the unique growth opportunity that exists in women’s football.”

The NWSL saw growth among fans, marketers and the media in 2022 during a season in which much of the focus was on the allegations raised by numerous players that there has been physical, verbal and emotional abuse by coaches dating back to at least 2015.

Sponsorship revenue was up 90% year-over-year, said Berman.

“We’re passionate about EA Sports continuing to be a changemaker for women’s football, and our partnership with both the NWSL and the NWSLPA is another step we’re taking as an organization to advance the sport,” Andrea Hopelain, EA Sports svp-brand, said via the videogamer.

“We’re committed to being champions for the future of football and bringing unrivaled authenticity to millions of football fans across the globe.”

“The athletes that call the NWSL home are some of the best in the world and we’re excited for the opportunity to further showcase their talent."

Last season, the NWSL and NWSLPA signed what was called a “historic” CBA enabling players to have more power over their own lives and careers.

"Our partnership with the players, and taking direction from the players, has been and will continue to be our framework, our grounding for what guides the future of this league,” said Berman.

According to Meghann Burke, NWSLPA executive director, via the union, “The players are the beating heart of every fan experience, fueling collective excitement through their passion, dedication, and perseverance.

“Today is a historic day for both our players and fans. This is a thrilling time for women's football, and we're looking forward to collaborating with EA Sports to champion the sport and create new opportunities for fans around the world to engage with these incredibly talented players.”

The 2023 NWSL season is scheduled to begin March 25, with opening weekend for the league’s 11th campaign seeing all 12 teams in action.

The regular season and the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup will appear across CBS Sports platforms, including The CBS Television Network, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.

FIFA 23 is developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

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