Gameplay and programming be damned, and their licensing lives and dies for sports games. This is why NFL2K was crushed by Madden, and why Konami's PES was crushed to dust by EA's FIFA or EA Sports FC. But it's not because Madden and FIFA they're a better game, it's because they're the only ones that you really want to see and have a great feature of being able to see real teams in leagues game.

So, to secure these things, it shouldn't surprise you if the amount of money involved is very high. In fact, you rarely know these exact numbers. But it's also no secret to video game publishers, if you knew. Currently, according to sports sources, one thing we know is how much EA is paying for some of its soccer rights.

Sky reported that 20 Premier League clubs were briefed at a meeting on Friday. And it is about to finalize a new six-year partnership with EA Sports, which is worth approximately £488 million. In the end, if finalized under these terms, the final amount should be approximately $588 million. At this point, you can't help but wonder, what does EA get for this spending? On FIFA 23's website, the publisher has a brief description of this:

What is EA SPORTS FIFA 23? In fact, it's a place only for FIFA 23 players. Here, by using FUT 23 Coins, you can get your favorite players and improve your team. Also, you can meet 20 Premier League clubs, feel their 2022 or 2023 kits and logos complete with authentic commentary, broadcasts and pre-match programming packages and play alongside them. It's a place of energy, competition and excitement, and a place where you can experience the most popular league in the world. EA SPORTS FIFA 23 will be the representation of the league, and the truest one at that.

Later, Sky reported that the "estimated value amount should be more than double the existing deal between the two parties". For that amount, you might think it's just one of dozens of possible deals EA needs to sign for the series, but it's a lot of money. It should be noted that this money will not only be used for the rights to broadcast Premier League, but also allow EA to continue to be one of the main "partners" of Premier League. In addition, everything from the Premier League's Player of the Month award to referee uniforms will have EA Sports branding on them, and this is the benefit of $588 million to EA.

Faced with such a huge amount, how can EA afford it. You must be very confused about this. But please note that in the publisher's last published financial results, regarding Ultimate Team digital card sales, Madden also had them. However, globally, those amounts are dominated by FIFA fans, which makes EA $1.6 billion.