Will Liga MX Return to FIFA/EA Sports FC? A Detailed Breakdown

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate FIFA gamer and content creator for over a decade, I was shocked by the news that Liga MX would be leaving FIFA ahead of FIFA 23. For years, I loved playing with Liga MX teams for their quick, technical style. But an "historic" agreement with Konami now makes the league exclusive to eFootball for the foreseeable future.

In this article, I analyze what this shocking deal means for the future of Liga MX in EA‘s soccer gaming empire.

Why Liga MX Matters

Before predicting whether EA can ever win back Mexico‘s top league, it‘s important to understand why its absence severely hurts FIFA. Some key stats:

  • 2nd most watched league in the USA behind the Premier League
  • Among the top 10 most attended football leagues globally
  • Over 25 million FIFA games sold annually in Latin America

As one of the most popular leagues in one of EA‘s largest markets, Liga MX played a substantial role in driving engagement. Many FIFA gamers and communities are passionate about using Mexican club teams. Its shock exclusion alienated this massive player base.

Explaining the Konami-Liga MX Deal

In May 2022, Liga MX officials proudly announced a landmark deal with Konami making the league exclusive to the eFootball/PES series. Both parties hailed it as an "historic agreement."

As part of the deal, Konami now has the exclusive rights to include the following Liga MX content in its soccer games:

  • All 18 Liga MX Clubs
  • Official Team Names/Kits/Badges
  • 1300+ Liga MX players
  • Stadium Names/Designs

The length of the agreement was not stated publicly but is expected to last "several years" according to industry experts.

From FIFA Regular to eFootball Exclusive

To summarize what this exclusive deal means:

  • Liga MX removed entirely from FIFA 23
  • Will stay exclusive to eFootball series in near future
  • Enables Konami to market as the lone provider of Liga MX soccer gaming content

This transition has already begun with eFootball 2023 heavily marketing the inclusion of every Liga MX club.

Meanwhile, EA Sports FC has not commented publicly on any plans to regain Liga MX. With the Konami deal lasting years, Liga MX will not return to EA‘s soccer franchise until it expires.

Impact of Losing Liga MX

While great news for Konami, EA‘s FIFA/EA Sports FC series has undoubtedly taken a hit.

As Mexico‘s top league, Liga MX is hugely important to representing North American soccer. Outside Europe and Brazil, it may have been the most impactful FIFA league loss in decades.

Among American FIFA players I know, interest in using Liga MX teams was exceptionally high. Their removal leaves a blank space reducing overall engagement.

Personally, as someone who exclusively plays career mode, I will sorely miss having authentic Liga MX components to build my manager legacy. The immersion simply isn‘t the same with fake team names and kits.

Overall, while EA Sports FC has all key licensing for top European leagues, the Liga MX hole gives some advantage to eFootball until that deal eventually lapses.

Can EA Sports FC Win Back Liga MX?

Honestly, I am pessimistic FIFA/EA Sports FC will regain Liga MX anytime soon unless Konami royally upsets Mexican football executives.

Konami has invested serious money to lock up Liga MX rights for several years at least. They will likely go all out to extend the partnership given Liga MX‘s global popularity.

For EA Sports FC to swoop in, they would need to completely blow Konami‘s future offer out of the water money-wise. And as crazy at is sounds, make Liga MX a more integral part of EA Sports FC than their own Premier League.

Because make no mistake, Liga MX and Mexican clubs have tremendous gravitas in Central/North America. Whosever soccer game provides that authentic experience will win massive market share.

Over to you EA Sports FC. Your move.

Final Thoughts

Losing Liga MX devastated my enjoyment playing EA soccer games. The authenticity is now severely diminished. While European leagues still offer quality gameplay, not having Mexico‘s best is an unacceptable omission long-term if EA Sports FC wants to maximize audiences across all regions.

For the sake of us North American gamers, I hope Liga MX eventually returns. But with no hint of EA attempting to outbid Konami yet, Liga MX‘s absence could last not years…but an entire console generation.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts