Multi-year collaboration aims to bridge virtual and stadium experiences for football fans across the five boroughs and beyond.
New York, NY— New York City FC and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) have announced the renewal of their strategic partnership, solidifying EA SPORTS as an Official Partner of the Major League Soccer club. The extended collaboration promises to deliver innovative digital experiences that connect fans with their favorite players and club through exclusive content and immersive matchday activations.
Bridging Virtual and Reality
The partnership renewal comes at a pivotal time for both organizations, as digital engagement continues to reshape how fans interact with professional sports. Through this collaboration, NYCFC and EA SPORTS FC will create unique touchpoints that blend the excitement of live football with the interactive world of gaming.
“EA SPORTS is more than a game — it’s a global football platform that’s deeply embedded in the culture of our sport,” said Brent Simmons, Head of Partnership Marketing at New York City FC. “Together, we’re giving fans across New York and beyond new ways to experience the passion of the game, both in the stadium and in EA SPORTS FC for years to come.”
New York City FC News:
- New York City FC Falls to D.C. United at Yankee Stadium
- New York City FC defeats Nashville SC in the Bronx
- New York City FC Defeats Club Leon and Keeps Fighting In The Leagues Cup
Enhanced Fan Experiences
The renewed partnership will focus on several key areas:
- Exclusive Content Creation:Â Collaborative content featuring NYCFC players and EA SPORTS FC gameplay
- Matchday Activations:Â Interactive gaming experiences at Yankee Stadium and other club events
- Digital Integration:Â Seamless connections between real-world club activities and virtual gaming experiences
- Fan Engagement:Â New opportunities for supporters to interact with their favorite players through gaming platforms
James Taylor, Director of Football Partnerships at EA SPORTS FC, emphasized the cultural significance of the collaboration: “We’re proud to renew our partnership with New York City FC, a club that captures both the passion of its fans and the energy of its city. This renewal celebrates New York’s place in the global football community and gives supporters an authentic way to connect with the club through EA SPORTS FC 26 and FC Mobile.”
EA SPORTS FC 26: The Ultimate Football Experience
The partnership renewal coincides with the upcoming launch of EA SPORTS FC 26, which promises unprecedented authenticity in football simulation. The game features:
- 20,000+ athletes across 750+ clubs and national teams
- 120+ stadiums, including iconic venues worldwide
- 35+ leagues representing global football
- 300+ global football partners ensuring authentic gameplay
The comprehensive roster includes players from Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League, providing American football fans with a detailed representation of their domestic leagues alongside international competitions.
Launch Details and Availability
EA SPORTS FC 26 will be available worldwide on September 26, 2025, across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Early access through the Ultimate Edition begins September 19, 2025, giving dedicated fans a week-long head start.
Pre-orders are currently available, with various editions offering different levels of content and early access benefits.
Strategic Implications
This partnership renewal reflects broader trends in sports marketing, where traditional boundaries between physical and digital experiences continue to blur. For NYCFC, the collaboration provides access to EA’s massive global gaming audience, potentially expanding the club’s fanbase beyond traditional geographic limitations.
The timing is particularly strategic as MLS continues to grow in popularity and cultural relevance across the United States. By partnering with one of the world’s most popular sports gaming franchises, NYCFC positions itself at the forefront of digital fan engagement.
Looking Forward
As both organizations prepare for the 2026 MLS season and the launch of EA SPORTS FC 26, fans can expect to see innovative activations that leverage the partnership’s full potential. The collaboration represents a commitment to evolving fan experiences in an increasingly digital sports landscape.
The partnership also underscores New York City’s position as a global football hub, connecting local passion with international gaming culture through one of the world’s most popular sports simulation platforms.
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