The Premier League (PL), England’s top-flight football league, and Sports Interactive (SI), the British developer behind the popular football management simulation game Football Manager (FM), have joined forces in a landmark four-year licensing partnership.
This agreement marks a first for the Football Manager. Starting with the 2024/25 season, all 20 PL clubs will be fully licensed within the game. Fans can expect to see official club logos, authentically recreated kits, and real player photographs seamlessly integrated throughout. This heightened level of detail promises a more immersive and realistic experience, allowing players to manage their favourite Premier League clubs with unparalleled authenticity.
Miles Jacobson, Sports Interactive Studio Director, said, “Since Football Manager’s inception, we have always wanted to work with the Premier League, and we’re delighted to announce that at last we are.
“The partnership isn’t just about the huge in-game benefits it’ll give our fans, but also the opportunities it provides us to help with the incredible things that the Premier League and their clubs do off the pitch. That includes community and charitable work, two things we’re enormously passionate about, as well as the ability to work with some of their existing partners.
“We are very grateful to the Premier League and their other partners in our space for allowing us to be an officially licensed product of the world’s most commercially successful football league.”
Nivine Emeran, Director of Licensing at SEGA West, added, “After much anticipation, it’s thrilling to partner with the Premier League and welcome them to Football Manager and our licensing family.”
Will Brass, the Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Football Manager has been a big part of the sporting landscape for decades, and is loved and enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. We are thrilled that the Premier League will now feature even more prominently in the game, helping to deliver a deeper, more authentic experience for anybody who takes on the challenge of managing a Premier League club.”
The collaboration extends beyond the game itself. Both the PL and SI have expressed interest in working together on community outreach and charitable initiatives, reflecting their shared commitment to social responsibility. Additionally, the agreement opens doors for potential future collaborations with the Premier League’s existing partners.
This strategic licensing deal is a win-win for both parties. Football Manager gains a prestigious partner, solidifying its position as the leading football management simulation. The English top-flight, in turn, expands its global reach by tapping into Football Manager’s vast and dedicated player base.