February 12 – A month ago EA Sports was facing serious concerns about its grip on the football gaming industry. A 17% drop in its stock price, a downgraded fiscal forecast, and underwhelming early performance from EA Sports FC 25 raised doubts about whether the company’s dominance in the market was beginning to slip.
Now, with its latest earnings report showing renewed engagement, EA is looking to reassure investors that its mid-season gameplay update has put things back on track.
The January gameplay overhaul has played a key role, reactivating more than two million Ultimate Team players and exceeding internal expectations. EA CEO Andrew Wilson pointed to the record success of the Team of the Year event as evidence of the company’s ability to adapt and innovate.
While these numbers are encouraging, the bigger question is whether they represent a lasting turnaround or just a temporary boost.
EA’s global football franchise remains one of the biggest sports entertainment properties in the world, with net bookings growing more than 70% over the past five years. Third-quarter net bookings totalled $2.215 billion, contributing to overall net revenue of $1.883 billion for the period. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC Mobile saw a double-digit increase in new players and engagement year-over-year, showing resilience in the mobile space.
However, last month’s fiscal downgrade suggested some underlying issues.
Analysts at Wedbush noted that EA appeared to have been caught off guard by FC 25’s early struggles, an unusual position for a company that has long dominated the space.
That dominance is being tested more than in previous years. UFL, a free-to-play competitor backed by Cristiano Ronaldo, is positioning itself as a direct alternative to EA’s annual release model. Meanwhile, Konami’s eFootball, despite a difficult launch, continues to attract players looking for a lower-cost option.
Even with the recent uptick in engagement, questions remain about EA’s long-term strategy. The company’s planned $1 billion share repurchase signals confidence, but third-quarter net bookings of $2.215 billion suggest there is little room for complacency. The latest improvements may have steadied the situation, but sustained success will be key to keeping both players and investors on board.
Beyond football, EA’s broader business remains strong. Its American football franchise is on track to surpass $1 billion in net bookings for the year, while its EA Sports College Football 25 title has already become the best-selling sports video game in U.S. history.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1739379586labto1739379586ofdlr1739379586owedi1739379586sni@g1739379586niwe.1739379586yrrah1739379586