In a landmark move merging gaming, journalism, and fan engagement, EA SPORTS and The Athletic have announced a strategic global partnership to bring premium sports storytelling directly into the EA SPORTS App — connecting millions of fans to the latest stats, stories, and insights across football, NFL, F1, and more.
Reimagining the Sports Experience
The collaboration combines EA SPORTS’ interactive entertainment ecosystem with The Athletic’s industry-leading sports journalism, delivering an integrated content experience for the next generation of digital-native fans.
Through the partnership, The Athletic’s multimedia content — including written articles, tactical breakdowns, match reports, and short-form videos — will now appear directly within the EA SPORTS App, allowing users to access real-time coverage, in-depth analysis, and breaking news alongside scores and highlights from the world’s biggest competitions.
The initiative effectively bridges the gap between sports gaming and real-world coverage, giving fans a central hub for both entertainment and information — something no other sports platform has achieved at this scale.
Key Features of the Collaboration
- The Athletic Editorial Content in EA SPORTS App:
Premium written coverage from The Athletic across global football, NFL, and college football — including tactical explainers, news updates, and opinion pieces. - Short-Form Video Integration:
High-performing short-form and social videos from The Athletic’s global video and audio network, featuring highlights and quick insights from top sports events. - EA SPORTS App Rewards:
Fans engaging with The Athletic’s in-app content can unlock exclusive EA SPORTS rewards, blending sports journalism with gamified interaction.
Beyond the app, The Athletic’s integration will extend in-game across EA SPORTS titles, including FC 26 Career Mode — where it will serve as a live football news source — and EA Connect, where The Athletic’s branding will gain major visibility.
The Future of Sports Fandom
David Tinson, Chief Experience Officer at Electronic Arts, emphasized that this partnership represents a foundational shift in how fans consume sports:
“The EA SPORTS App is a foundational step in the future of sports fandom – reimagining how the next generations of fans will connect to the sports, teams and athletes they love. By combining high quality news and insights from The Athletic with the interactive capabilities of EA SPORTS, we’re blending real and virtual sports in a unified platform that will meet the evolving needs of sports fans everywhere.”
Sebastian Tomich, Chief Commercial Officer at The Athletic, called the partnership a gateway to reaching new, younger audiences:
“EA SPORTS is the perfect partner to help us connect with younger fans and deliver a new kind of editorial experience. While we’re starting with editorial, we see this as just the beginning of what our two brands can deliver to fans together.”
Available Now
The EA SPORTS App, featuring The Athletic integration, is now live on the Apple App Store and Google Play across the UK & Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and the US.
365247 Insight
This collaboration signals the next phase in sports media evolution — where gaming, journalism, and fandom intersect. For EA SPORTS, it reinforces the brand as not just a game developer but a multi-platform sports ecosystem. For The Athletic, it’s a bold play to reach a new generation of fans inside their favorite digital environments.
In essence, the partnership blurs the line between playing, watching, and reading sport — setting the stage for a future where sports fandom becomes a fully integrated, interactive experience.
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