The agreement gives EA access to ESPN programming, personalities and integrated marketing opportunities on ESPN television programming and other ESPN properties. The ESPN integration will appear in EA SPORTS console, handheld, PC and wireless games beginning in 2006 upon the conclusion of ESPN’s existing video game licensing commitments.
“EA and ESPN have a shared belief that adding ESPN content will improve an already outstanding line of games,” said George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN Inc. and ABC Sports.
“This relationship was created to benefit consumers who are passionate about sports games,” said Larry Probst, Electronic Arts Chairman and CEO. “EA SPORTS recreates the real life experience fans enjoy while watching or playing their favorite sport; while ESPN programming captures the look, sound and excitement of the sports they follow. Together, we believe we can significantly grow the interactive sports category.”
The agreement is for fifteen years with an option to terminate after ten years under certain conditions and gives EA exclusive first rights to all ESPN content for simulation sports games.