NBA extends deals with Take-Two, EA

The NBA has signed multi-year agreements with Take-Two Interactive, allowing new NBA 2K titles; and EA, for the untitled EA Tiburon game and continued publishing of NBA Jam games.

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that it's extending its partnerships with both EA and Take-Two Interactive, signing multi-year agreements with each company. The deals give them each the rights to use NBA teams and players in their games, and to associate their game marketing efforts with the NBA license.

Take-Two will continue to publish the NBA 2K series, and has the potential to develop other NBA licensed games. The press release teases that online and mobile games are among the possibilities. NBA 2K11, which featured Michael Jordan taking to the court, sold five million units, more than any other in the franchise.

EA, meanwhile, is working on an untitled NBA simulation game to debut in fall of 2012. As previously reported, the game is being developed by EA Tiburon after NBA Elite 11 was canceled. EA Sports can also continue to publish the NBA Jam titles.

"We have had successful and longstanding relationships with both 2K Sports and EA Sports," said NBA global merchandising executive VP Sal LaRocca in the announcement. "Extending our agreements with the top sports video game developers continues to maximize our presence in this category, while ensuring our fans the best selection of NBA video games.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    May 23, 2011 12:00 PM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, NBA extends deals with Take Two, EA.

    The NBA has signed multi-year agreements with Take-Two Interactive, allowing new NBA 2K titles; and EA, for the untitled EA Tiburon game and continued publishing of NBA Jam games.

    • reply
      May 23, 2011 2:42 PM

      I wonder if there are any clauses in there for repayment if the next NBA season is locked out. Have to imagine that would impact sales.

      • reply
        July 26, 2011 9:38 PM

        EA are such bitches for backing out of NBA Elite. They were so scared by 2k11 they stopped production.

        2k12 is gonna stomp tho.

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