According to a recent New York Times report, the FIFA organization has been asking for over $2.5 billion for renewing EA’s license of its annual football sim franchise. That’s $2.5 billion for every World Cup cycle, i.e. 4 years, and is more than double of what EA was paying previously ($1 billion).
Furthermore, new conditions include limiting the ability to monetize the game. EA reportedly wants to further expand in this facet with arena video game tournaments and NFTs, which has further soured the relation between two parties.
According to recent reports, EA is considering backing up from the FIFA license and instead re-brand its annual football sim to something else. A new trademark filing suggests it could be renamed to EA Sports FC, although nothing is confirmed as of yet.
FIFA 22 recently launched to mostly positive critical reception. Sales for the game have been predictably solid.