EA Sports has developed the Madden NFL video game for decades. Recently, the company announced a new deal with the NFL to extend their partnership through the 2030 season. However, there’s one crucial signature still missing: the NFL Players Association’s.

The NFLPA has yet to reach an agreement with EA Sports, and according to Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, both sides are currently “far apart” in negotiations. That’s a serious problem for both the league and the game’s future sales.

No NFLPA deal, no party for EA Sports

Why is the NFLPA’s approval so important? Because the union holds the licensing rights for every player in the league. Without a deal, EA Sports could still feature all 32 NFL teams — but none of the real players.

The current agreement between EA Sports and the NFLPA runs through the 2027 season (separate from the league’s deal that lasts until 2030). There’s still time to reach a new deal, but the clock is ticking fast.

While fans might still enjoy playing with their favorite NFL teams, the experience wouldn’t be the same without the actual players. Under NFLPA rules, EA Sports cannot use players’ names, images, or likenesses without an active licensing agreement.

So, what would that look like? For example, Madden could still include the Buffalo Bills — but Josh Allen’s name, appearance, and stats would all have to be changed to avoid legal trouble with the NFLPA.

It’s highly likely both sides will eventually reach an agreement, with EA Sports probably giving in to most of the union’s demands. If not, Madden sales could drop dramatically, as fans won’t be happy controlling their favorite teams with completely fake rosters.

According to Fut Sheriff (@FutSheriff) on X (formerly Twitter), the EA FC 24 TOTY will be the following: Alisson (GK); Jeremie Frimpong (RWB), Ruben Dias (CB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Theo Hernandez (LB); Jude Bellingham (CM), Rodri (CDM), Kevin De Bruyne (CAM); Lionel Messi (RW), Erling Haaland (ST), Kylian Mbappe (ST).

Messi seems to be the joint-highest rated player on the TOTY with 98, just like Manchester City stars Haaland and De Bruyne. However, it won’t be until January 19 that EA Sports reveals the official Team of the Year.

Messi gets more recognition than Ronaldo outside Europe

Both Messi and Ronaldo shocked the world by leaving Europe in 2023. After years of taking the limelight, the stars decided it was time to leave the Old Continent to try a new experience elsewhere.

The Portuguese striker packed his bags in January 2023 to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, whereas Messi signed for MLS outfit Inter Miami in July. Both have made an impact in their respective teams, but Leo has gotten more recognition than CR7.

Even though many thought Messi’s move would prevent him from winning more individual honors, that was not the case. In fact, the Argentine star went on to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best 2023.

If he makes the TOTY, it would confirm that the world doesn’t care where Messi plays as long as he continues to deliver magical moments. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has been snubbed both from the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist and FIFA’s 2023 Team of the Year.

Last year, the Dolphins decided to trade for one of the best receivers in the entire league. Miami agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire Tyreek Hill, and the wideout has definitely lived up to the expectations so far.

The seven-time Pro Bowler immediately became Tua Tagovailoa’s best partner on the field. Hill wants to become a true legend for the Dolphins, and he’s poised to help his team achieve success this same year.

Tyreek Hill breaks incredible record not even Dan Marino could achieve

A few days ago, Tyreek Hill talked about the ratings of Madden 24. The wide receiver said that he deserved to join the 99 overall club, and EA Sports pleased him today.

The video game company announced that Tyreek Hill will have a 99 rating in Madden 24. The wide receiver listed him with a 98 overall, but EA Sports decided to upgrade him in-game and boost his stats.

With this move, Hill becomes the first Dolphins player to ever be in the 99 overall club. Surprisingly, Dan Marino, legendary quarterback of the team, never had that rating when he played.

Madden 24: Which players have a 99 overall rating?

Alongside Hill, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Zack Martin are part of the 99 overall club.

Since both have left the Old Continent this year, many wonder how their absence in the top five European leagues will impact their ratings. The Argentine superstar joined MLS side Inter Miami, while the Portuguese striker signed for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr in January.

Both still seem to have a lot left in the tank, but of course, age is always a factor when it comes to aspects such as market value or rating in a videogame. Though there’s no official information by the developer yet, the ratings started to leak out on the Internet.

Who will have better rating on EAFC24, Messi or Ronaldo?

On Twitter, @Fut_scoreboard leaked the first EAFC24 ratings, suggesting that Messi would have 90, while Ronaldo would be at 86. This means Leo would suffer a one-point downgrade, whereas CR7 would lose four points in regard to FIFA 23.

When was the last time Messi and Ronaldo had the same rating?

Messi and Ronaldo haven’t had the same rating since FIFA 19, when both had 94. From then on, the Argentine star has always had a higher rating than the Portuguese: 94 to 93 in FIFA 20, 93 to 92 in FIFA 21, 93 to 91 in FIFA 22 and 91 to 90 in FIFA 23.

Last year, FIFA decided not to continue with its partnership with EA Sports. Both sides didn’t reach an agreement, so the company will have to use a different name for the video game this year.

A few months ago, the company announced the arrival of EA Sports FC 24. This video game will have a lot of changes, and fans are already wondering what features will it have.

EA Sports FC 24: Differences between Ultimate and Standard Edition

As in previous video games released by EA Sports, the Ultimate and Standard Editions will have distinct features. While the gameplay remains the same, each edition includes different in-game benefits.

Ultimate Edition

• 4600 FIFA Points.
• 7 Days Early Access (September 22)
• FUT Women UCL Hero (untradeable).
• FUT ‘Team of the Week 1’ Item (untradeable).
• FUT Erling Haaland loan item.
• FUT Ambassador loan item (x2).
• Access to Nike Campaign.

Standard Edition

• FUT ‘Team of the Week 1’ Item (untradeable).
• FUT Erling Haaland loan item.
• FUT Ambassador loan item.
• Career Mode Homegrown Talent.

The prices of the Standard Edition range from $59.99 to $69.99, depending on the console. On the other hand, the Ultimate Edition costs $99.99 across all platforms.

This will be the first installment since EA Sports decided to launch its own franchise after a decades-long partnership with FIFA. Fortunately, the developer would keep the licensed leagues and teams that made the game so popular.

The first teasers and trailers showed many of the world’s most renowned players as well as iconic stars who are no longer playing in real life. On Thursday, fans got to know who will be the new game’s cover star.

Erling Haaland chosen as cover star of EA Sports FC

Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland will be EA Sports FC’s cover star in the first edition of the new videogame saga. It makes sense, since the Norwegian comes from a fantastic season that saw him win the treble in his first year in England.

It may be too soon to tell, but it looks like most things will be just like in the FIFA franchise. Of course, we’ll have to wait and see which new features will be available in this game, but hopefully, they won’t make drastic changes.

While there could be improvements in regard to the final version of the saga, many things made EA Sports FIFA games incredibly popular around the world. If they build on that, EA Sports FC should make a lot of fans.

However, they’ll probably want to keep in mind a few things to improve in the future. While most of the soccer community loves to play this videogame, including professional players themselves, not everyone is entirely satisfied with it.

As a matter of fact, many players sometimes complain about their rating or graphics. Argentine world champion Enzo Fernandez, for instance, didn’t like the way he was portrayed in the cover of the upcoming EA Sports FC.

Enzo Fernandez not happy with his image in the EA Sports FC cover

“On the PlayStation I play with Chelsea and I am in the team, but I’m a little angry anyway, because they put me on the cover and I don’t look like myself,” Fernandez told ESPN Argentina, via @AlbicelesteTalk on Twitter.

To be fair, it may be too soon to judge the videogame’s graphics since we’ve only seen a teaser so far. However, it’s safe to say the new EA Sports game will have a lot to prove as it will replace a decades-long franchise that soccer fans loved.

Rather the new EA Sports FC game focuses on rising stars such as Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, and stars of the women’s game like Marta.

The game also pays tribute to many footballing legends like David Beckham, Rudi Völler, and Johan Cruyff.

New cover of EA Sports FC

The new cover includes the above-mentioned stars as well as cult heroes like Boca Juniors, Juan Roman Riquelme, USWNT legend Mia Hamm, and Italian star Andrea Pirlo.

The marketing concept by EA Sports is to bring the fan and gamer closer to the action, making the fan feel like they are a part of the club, a new club, from career mode, mix soccer matches, and a new catch phrase “Welcome to the Club”.

EA Sports FC hopes to continue their tradition of being the best soccer game in the world, while FIFA soccer’s governing body plans to roll out its own game in 2024.

The competition will take place from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand. 32 nations, including the co-hosts, will battle it out for the ultimate glory.

But who will emerge victorious this year? That is the question everyone makes, which is why we are starting to see predictions. EA Sports used its popular videogame to try and give an answer to that question.

EA Sports predicts USA to win 2023 Women’s World Cup

Using Tournament mode and the updated ratings, EA Sports has simulated all 64 matches and predicted the United States Women’s National Team to win this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The simulation had the defending world champs taking down Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and Germany to lift the trophy for the third time in a row and fifth total.

The USA head into this tournament as strong favorites, but the likes of Brazil and England are also candidates to challenge for the title.

The series of NCAA Football began in 1993. It served as the counterpart of Madden, a video game specially created for the NFL. However, college was a very attractive matter for fans and EA Sports knew how to take advantage of their interest.

The video game had its last release by that name in 2013, as NCAA didn’t want to continue its partnership with EA Sports. Fortunately, the company announces its return in summer of 2024, but college players are not comfortable with how things are working with the enterprise.

College football players are planning to boycott EA Sports

One of the most beloved sports video games is back. After a long time, EA Sports announced the return of NCAA Football under a new name: EA Sports College Football. However, this new series will have a lot of changes.

When NCAA and EA Sports reached a new agreement to start the series again, CLC decided to not be part of this new video game. Teams such as Air Force, Army, Georgia State, Kentucky, New Mexico, Notre Dame, Troy and USC won’t appear in it due to contractual differences.

Now, it seems like all college players are planning a massive boycott to the company. EA Sports has to pay for the rights of names and use of their images, but according to reports the players will only receive $500 for it.

Players think they are underpaid, as the company is set to sell millions of copies. GamesIndustry first reported this plan of boycotting the video game, but EA Sports still has time to solve the problem as the series is set to start next year.

Every matchweek requires special attention from the game, as player ratings change depending on their performances and different leagues have their Team of the Week after each round.

However, things that happen off the field also have an impact on the game and its updates. Players involved in controversial situations in real life are often removed from the game, which is why another name could be no longer available soon.

Boca Juniors winger Sebastian Villa could be removed from FIFA 23

Boca Juniors winger Sebastian Villa was found guilty of coercive threats and domestic violence against former girlfriend last week, which is why his club looks ready to let him go.

The Colombian player is no longer training with the first team and it looks like a matter of time before he’s officially cut from the squad. Besides, Villa has another pending case in which he’s accused of sexual abuse, gender violence, and attempted homicide towards another woman.

Considering EA Sports FIFA’s reaction to the Benjamin Mendy and Mason Greenwood cases, with both players being removed from the game, one could imagine Villa will also be removed from FIFA 23 soon.