The race for team exclusivity between EA Sports and Konami is intensifying, as both companies compete to secure major football teams for their games. Recent developments have seen a shift in power, with some Italian teams now exclusively appearing in eFootball, while others are locked into EA FC 25.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest moves from both companies as they gear up for the 2024/25 season.
Konami Secures Inter and AC Milan Exclusivity
Konami recently announced the exclusive rights to two of Italy’s biggest clubs, Inter Milan and AC Milan, for the 2024/25 season. This means eFootball will be the only game to feature these clubs’ official names, kits, and stadiums.
EA FC 25 will still have the players, but without official branding or updated stadiums, leaving fans without the authentic experience they’re accustomed to.
This adds Inter and AC Milan to Konami’s growing list of Serie A teams that are exclusive to eFootball, joining Lazio and Atalanta, both of which are also locked into Konami’s ecosystem.
While EA FC 25 can still use real player names and likenesses, they won’t be able to scan updated visuals for these teams unless deals are struck with their respective national squads, similar to what was done with Spain’s Pedri.
EA FC 25 Strikes Back with Roma, Napoli, and More
In response to Konami’s exclusivity deal with Milan’s clubs, EA didn’t hesitate to counterattack. EA FC 25 will exclusively feature AS Roma and SSC Napoli, ensuring that fans of these Italian giants will only be able to play with official kits, players, and stadiums in FC 25.
But EA didn’t stop there. They have also secured partnerships with several other high-profile teams and leagues, including Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and FK Bodø/Glimt, in addition to locking down exclusivity for the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
These competitions, along with EA’s deep pool of licensed leagues such as the Premier League, LaLiga, and Bundesliga, make FC 25 a powerhouse in the world of football games.
Key Differences in Licenses
The exclusivity battle between EA and Konami has resulted in unique offerings from both games. Here’s a quick overview:
- eFootball’s Exclusive Teams:
- Inter Milan
- AC Milan
- Lazio
- Atalanta
- FC Barcelona (partial exclusivity, including stadium and anthem)
- EA FC 25’s Exclusive Teams:
- AS Roma
- SSC Napoli
- Fenerbahçe SK
- Galatasaray SK
- FK Bodø/Glimt
- Full European competitions (Champions League, Europa League, Conference League)
Stadium Showdowns
EA continues to invest heavily in stadium authenticity, adding iconic venues like River Plate’s Más Monumental and Sporting CP’s José Alvalade, along with updates to the Santiago Bernabéu and Orange Vélodrome. These improvements enhance the realism of EA FC 25, giving fans an immersive experience with the most realistic stadiums in the game.
Conclusion
As the battle for exclusivity between EA FC 25 and eFootball rages on, both companies are securing deals that could shift fan loyalty. While eFootball corners the market on some of Italy’s biggest teams, EA FC 25 counters with exclusive rights to Roma, Napoli, and global competitions like the UEFA Champions League.
With the September release of FC 25 fast approaching, fans will soon decide which game provides the best football experience.
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