Madden NFL 26 Season 3 kicks off this Oct. 22 as version 1.008, and this brings new gear, new face scans, Playbook upgrades and more.

Mariota tries to scramble for a first down soon after but is crushed by linebacker Nick Bolton, who jars the ball loose. Conner — back in the game after missing a few plays — scoops up the fumble, giving Kansas City a massive turnover just before halftime.

EA acquired exclusive rights 20 years ago, after the NFL 2K5 game proved to be not only better but cheaper than the alternative product. Since then, it's been Madden and only Madden when it comes to NFL video games.

The NFL and EA Sports announced Wednesday an extension to their long-running partnership. The deal will see Madden NFL remain the exclusive video game franchise for the league through at least April 2031.

Electronic Arts and the NFL have announced an "expanded, multi-year exclusive agreement" that will see EA continue to make new Madden games for the foreseeable future. EA said this is the "most comprehensive partnership" to date between the two parties.

EA SPORTS™ and the National Football League today announced an expanded, multi-year exclusive agreement to grow American football worldwide.

EA Sports and the NFL are extending their exclusive licensing deal for console and PC video games, along with expanding their work content and experiences such as the MaddenCast and for EA Sports College Football.

EA Sports will continue to develop the Madden NFL series for years to come. EA Sports and the NFL announced today that they have extended their long-standing partnership. For gamers, this means that EA will continue to develop and release Madden NFL games at least through 2030.

EA Sports will continue to exclusively produce NFL video games, as they extended their licensing deal with the professional Football League until 2030.

EA said its partnership with the NFL is expanding in an effort to boost the videogame maker’s Madden NFL franchise and college-football offerings.

Yes, the NFL has extended its exclusive deal with EA to produce and sell the Madden video-game simulation. No, the extension does not cover the NFL Players Association.