New online game lobbies to be created in select EA Sports titles will lead to MLG-sanctioned and refereed tournaments. Wins, losses, and other relevant statistics will be tracked automatically and compiled in a personalized online competition profile, enabling the definitive ranking system for sports gamers in North America.

"Online competition and knowing where you stand is what video gaming is all about," said Matthew Bromberg, president and CEO of Major League Gaming. "Together with EA Sports, we are creating the ultimate competitive social experience for millions of online EA Sports gamers in North America."

Beginning last fall, sponsors like PlayStation, Best Buy, Ball Park and Geico have partnered with MLG and EA Sports in the 2009 EA Sports Challenge Series, a program which has successfully combined live competitions with online tournaments to determine the champions for select EA Sports titles.  With greater product integration and the creation of a new online destination, this new joint offering is expected to be even more attractive as a marketing vehicle.

"We've been proud to work with MLG to help usher in a new era of video game competition," said EA Sports President Peter Moore. "Today's announcement reflects the natural evolution of the EA SPORTS experience, providing a rich platform for the millions of gamers now playing online to share and compete."