For many years, EA Sports has been at the forefront of innovation in the sports gaming industry. Their games have consistently pushed the envelope, not just with cutting-edge gameplay but also through transformative brand partnerships. EA Sports has built a reputation for forging strong relationships with global sports brands, clubs, and leagues, integrating them into gameplay in creative and engaging ways.
With the release of EA Sports FC 25 (previously branded FIFA) last week, this legacy continues to evolve. This edition introduces more immersive and interactive collaborations, such as the Nike Air Zoom Arena and in-game activations with Xfinity and Intersport, which elevate the gaming experience and expand its reach beyond just football simulation.
Below, we break down some of the most innovative and exciting partnerships that help position EA Sports FC 25 as more than just a video game.
Nike’s partnership with EA Sports FC 25 takes the digital football experience to a new level with the Nike Air Zoom Arena, a digital stadium created specifically for the game’s 5v5 Rush mode. Inspired by Nike’s signature Mercurial boots, this futuristic stadium immerses players in high-speed, small-sided matches. Additionally, Nike uses this collaboration to promote its .SWOOSH platform, allowing players to personalise their avatars with exclusive Nike gear and campaigns. This is a prime example of how real-world athletic performance and digital experiences merge to create a fully immersive experience.
EA Sports has teamed up with Comcast’s Peacock and Xfinity brands, integrating them deeply into EA Sports FC 25. North American players benefit from exclusive in-game content, such as custom-designed Ultimate Team kits inspired by Xfinity. U.S. Women’s National Team star Sophia Smith is central to this partnership, with her Xfinity kit featured prominently in the game. Additionally, Xfinity enhances real-world gameplay events like the New York Clubhouse, offering high-speed WiFi and low-latency experiences, showcasing the growing overlap between gaming and streaming​
Intersport, a global sporting goods retailer, leverages EA Sports FC 25 to bridge the gap between digital and physical retail experiences. The partnership brings Intersport’s brand directly into the game through virtual signage and in-game advertisements. This collaboration supports Intersport’s omnichannel strategy, connecting with digitally-savvy consumers and driving both online and in-store traffic. Intersport’s presence in the game reflects the growing trend of using virtual spaces to enhance brand engagement​
Two of Europe’s most iconic football clubs, AS Roma and Olympique de Marseille (OM), have secured long-term partnerships with EA Sports FC 25. Both clubs’ men’s and women’s teams are fully integrated into the game, including top-tier women’s leagues like the Barclays Women’s Super League and UEFA Women’s Champions League, promoting gender parity in sports gaming. These partnerships also include digital recreations of iconic stadiums like OM’s Orange Vélodrome and grassroots initiatives like OM’s Next Gen program, showcasing EA Sports FC 25’s commitment to real-world football development
McDonald’s renewed its multi-year partnership with Ligue 1, further embedding its brand in the virtual and real-world football experience. Featured prominently in EA Sports FC 25, McDonald’s branding appears across iconic stadiums like Orange Vélodrome, and the partnership supports youth football programs through grassroots initiatives like OM’s Next Gen. This collaboration strengthens McDonald’s visibility in both the gaming and football worlds, contributing to its broader community engagement efforts
With EA Sports FC 25, EA Sports continues its legacy of forging innovative partnerships that redefine the gaming experience. These collaborations go beyond simple sponsorships, embedding real-world brands directly into the core of the game. By creating dynamic, interactive experiences, EA Sports blends the excitement of football with the power of global brands, ensuring that its games remain at the cutting edge of sports entertainment and commercialization. As gaming, sports, and brand experiences converge, EA Sports FC 25 stands as a testament to the future of interactive sports entertainment.
Stay ahead of the latest sports business trends by subscribing to our free Ministry of Sport newsletter. Unlock even more insights with our exclusive membership plans today!
Australian Oztag has partnered with etrainu to launch The Hub, a digital platform...
Bridgestone Corporation has announced it will not renew its Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic...
In the competitive realm of sports marketing, athlete sponsorship has emerged as a...
Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World.
Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates.