Electronic Arts (EA), the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), have renewed their partnership. 

The multi-year renewal will enable EA SPORTS to continue to develop the officially licensed NHL video game, EA SPORTS NHL® 21 for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. It follows a similar renewal of its licensing deal with the National Football League (NFL) earlier this year. EA SPORTS also publishes the officially licensed FIFA series. 

Commenting on the partnership Executive Vice President & Group GM, EA SPORTS, Cam Weber, said:

“We are thrilled to accelerate fun hockey experiences for years to come pushing the industry forward with our long-time NHL and NHLPA partners.

“The EA SPORTS NHL franchise these past 30 years has become synonymous with hockey culture, and this extension will ensure it remains at the forefront of connecting millions of fans around the world to the sport through interactive entertainment.”

While NHL Chief Brand Officer & Senior Executive Vice President, Brian Jennings, added:

“EA SPORTS NHL continues to introduce new fans to the sport through its realistic and entertaining approach to the game.

“The past eight months illustrates how EA is a critical extension to real-world sports, as fans turned to EA SPORTS NHL to play and watch hockey while we temporarily paused during the pandemic. 

“Our shared approach for competitive gaming has enabled the League to create a touchpoint to younger fans who may experience the NHL for the first time through EA SPORTS NHL. Sustained connection that enhances fandom is what EA delivers and we look forward to continuing the incredible partnership.”

Although the NHL’s official esports ecosystem is not as developed as other major franchises, like NBA 2K League, it has been steadily developing, with the league expanding its commercial esports partnerships through deals with companies like Honda and Great Clips. 

EA SPORTS also recently released a special retro version, NHL 94 Rewind, to give all those who appreciate the charm of old school 16bit games a treat. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Given the huge commercial success of EA SPORTS’ franchised titles, it’s almost inconceivable that this agreement wouldn’t be extended, but it’s still welcome news and illustrates the strength of the sim sports sector in video gaming and esports. 

Staying with the publisher, earlier this week the company announced it’s recent EA SPORTS™ FIFA 21 Challenge had smashed viewership records, with an Average Minute Audience of over 250K. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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