EA Madden NFL Championship returns to primetime television

Electronic Arts’ (EA) Madden NFL Championship makes its return to primetime television after being broadcast as part of an agreement with the National Football League (NFL) and the CW television network.

Recorded in December of last year, this week’s esports special will be the largest tournament in Madden NFL Championship Series history as a record 200 players competed in Las Vegas, Nevada across the space of three days.

The programme highlighted thrilling wire-to-wire Madden competition while telling the compelling story of the players and behind-the-scenes at the event. The overall championship involves players from across 32 NFL teams and boasts a prize fund of US$1.3 million across four major tournaments.

It is the first instalment of the new edition of the competition to feature on a televised broadcast following the EA Sports’ Madden NFL 18 Challenge, which topped the list as the most viewed North American esports broadcast in 2017.

“We wanted this season’s special to spotlight the unique strength and unity of the Madden community,” said Todd Sitrin, SVP and GM of the EA Competitive Gaming Division. “When people watch this show, they’ll see the players’ love of the game and the special bond they have as a group of passionate competitive gaming superstars, and we’re excited for viewers to see it come to life with the ‘EA SPORTS MADDEN NFL 19 CLASSIC’ on The CW.”

This week’s broadcast has paid tribute to the victims of the fatal shooting that took place at a championship qualifier in Jacksonville, Florida in August last year. It aims to show viewers how “the love of the game has connected and strengthened the community following the tragedy in August.”

“Following the phenomenal success of our previous partnership with EA and the NFL,” said Rick Haskins, EVP of Marketing and Digital Programs of The CW. “The CW is once again thrilled to join forces with them showcasing the passion and camaraderie of the Madden community.”

 

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