NWSL and UWCL to be added to FIFA 23
Update (March 15, 2023): Due to technical issues spotted during testing, EA Sports has to postpone the update introducing NWSL and UWCL to FIFA 23 from its original launch date to March 23, 2023.
Original (March 6, 2023): FIFA 23 already made history by featuring Chelsea FC’s Samantha Kerr alongside Kylian Mbappé of Paris Saint-Germain on its cover, now EA Sports has announced a partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) to further represent women in its popular soccer games.
All 12 NWSL teams will be added to FIFA 23 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S in an update on March 15, 2023. They’ll be available in Kick Off, Tournament Mode, Head to Head season / Co-op Seasons and Online Friendlies with four NWSL stadiums, authentics kits, and more.
The March 15 update will also add the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) to the game, making four of Europe's top clubs playable in Real Madrid C.F., VfL Wolfsburg, Juventus, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
“The NWSL’s integration into EA Sports FIFA 23 is a monumental milestone for the league, the players and millions of football fans around the world as we continue pushing boundaries for the women’s game,” commented Jessica Berman, Commissioner, NWSL. “The athletes that call the NWSL home are some of the best in the world and we’re excited for the opportunity to further showcase their talent through this unique gaming experience. We can’t wait for fans to begin playing and we look forward to continuing this celebration of the players and the league when we kick off our 11th season on March 25.”
“We’re passionate about EA Sports continuing to be a changemaker for women’s football, and our partnership with both the NWSL and the NWSLPA is another step we’re taking as an organization to advance the sport,” stated Andrea Hopelain, SVP of Brand, EA Sports. “We’re committed to being champions for the future of football and bringing unrivaled authenticity to millions of football fans across the globe.”
Meghann Burke, Executive Director of the NWSLPA has said “the players are the beating heart of every fan experience, fueling collective excitement through their passion, dedication, and perseverance. Today is a historic day for both our players and fans. This is a thrilling time for women's football, and we're looking forward to collaborating with EA Sports to champion the sport and create new opportunities for fans around the world to engage with these incredibly talented players."
FIFA 23 is the first title in the series to feature unique animations for female players, with the studio scanning games between women to include the way they move on the pitch in an authentic manner. EA Sports has certainly taken many steps forward when it comes to integrating women's soccer into the game with FIFA 23.
Fans are still eagerly awaiting the day female athletes will be featured in the game's most popular mode, FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) – it feels like that will be the day women's soccer will truly be part of the family.
