Why isn‘t Liga MX in FIFA 23? Exclusive Deal With eFootball
As an avid FIFA gamer and Liga MX supporter, you‘ve likely noticed all 18 Mexican top flight clubs are shockingly absent from FIFA 23. This is due to an unprecedented licensing deal between Liga MX and Konami‘s eFootball series securing exclusive rights to the league‘s intellectual property.
The eFootball Bombshell: A Blow to FIFA‘s Licensing Dominance
In March 2022 Konami dropped a bombshell, announcing a landmark deal making Liga MX clubs and players exclusive to their rival soccer simulation franchise eFootball through 2024. This precludes mighty EA Sports from featuring any official Liga MX teams, kits, crests, or stadiums in FIFA 23 – or even from 2020 tournament champion Cruz Azul being playable.
For almost three decades EA leveraged its licensing clout and negotiation leverage as the top-selling sports video game to consolidate major real-world soccer leagues. Now Konami‘s aggression in snatching Liga MX reflects serious competition from once little-regarded eFootball. Their newfound financial commitment demonstrates a strategy targeting South American and Latin American leagues valuable among the worldwide soccer fandom.
Implications: Gameplay, Modes, Financials
Losing Liga MX directly hurts FIFA 23‘s available teams, gameplay modes connecting to real-world schedules and tournaments, and authenticity for fans eagerly awaiting Mexican matchups. Where‘s the excitement of CONCACAF Champions League when half the best North American clubs are unlicensed fakes named "East Border FC" rather than CF Monterrey?
| Category | Money Involved | Other Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Fees | Undisclosed 8-figure deal value speculated | Revenue boost for Liga MX selling rights |
| Game Modes | Liga MX removed from modes like Career, FUT, Pro Clubs, Online Seasons | Reduces variety, match types, player pool |
| Gameplay | Inability to play as favorite Liga MX team | Diminished realism, authenticity; alienates Mexican fanbase |
While financial details were undisclosed, analysts estimate Konami committed high eight-figures for multiyear Liga MX exclusivity – dwarfing prior deals with individual clubs like Chivas. For Mexican teams the windfall both enriches their coffers short-term and boosts international exposure through eFootball. But hardcore FIFA fans are left devoid of beloved Liga MX.
Liga MX Clubs Welcomed Deal; Players Lament Loss
Reactions across Mexico‘s soccer landscape reflected the polarizing nature of leaving FIFA for eFootball. Liga MX club executives lauded the economic bonanza and chance to develop e-sports while lamenting the loss of FIFA‘s reach. Mexican national team stars voiced disappointment given FIFA‘s supreme popularity and renown compared to troublesome eFootball.
Club América COO Santiago Banos said "We like the idea of participating in a global game with huge visibility." While Javier Hernandez cheekily tweeted the deal "doesn‘t make much sense" amidst fan vitriol over FIFA 23 sans Liga MX.
Will Liga MX Return in EA Sports FC Series?
Given FIFA 23 represents the final EA-published entry before rebranding to EA Sports FC, could a licensing shift see Liga MX restored to future editions? Much depends on Mexico‘s clubs re-assessing fan reception and viewership metrics under the eFootball deal.
Should they become unsatisfied with paltry e-sports participation or returns, EA Sports FC could make a powerful case leveraging their legion of loyal enthusiasts. Gamers eagerly anticipating Mexican matchups on last-gen consoles even started an online petition to #BringBackLigaMX with 15,000+ signatures already.
If Liga MX‘s absence throughout FIFA 23 disheartens you as a devout Mexican soccer buff, take heart knowing all hope isn‘t lost further down the road.
