The National Football League (“NFL”) has posted a job advert that may suggest the “eNFL” or something similar is on the way.
Madden, the American Football sports simulation title has a somewhat nascent esports scene which is run by EA Sports, but with the governing body for the sports league now looking for someone to run the esports side, it’s easy to assume that a collaboration is on the way.
We’ve already seen news of the inaugural NBA 2K League which will get underway shortly, and just last week the MLS confirmed the “eMLS” which will see a structured system for EA Sports game FIFA 18 involving the MLS clubs. There is already a competitive scene for Madden, and a content series around it too, so the scene is already there and ready to be developed.
The NFL season is heading towards an end currently, with the playoffs taking place as we edge closer to the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl attracts a huge audience undoubtedly and it could not be long until part and parcel of the entertainment package is some sports simulation esports. For now, though, it’s all speculation.
The job itself is for a person with significant experience. It specifies that a minimum requirement is ten years of work experience, and at least seven in “gaming or a related sector”.
The overarching job description reads as follows:
“The NFL’s Head of Gaming & eSports will lead the strategic planning, partner management and execution of the League’s gaming efforts across all platforms, including console and mobile games, eSports/competitive gaming and new business development. This person will drive a number of the League’s key franchises, including NFL Madden, towards achieving commercial and fan engagement objectives.”
Esports Insider says: More sport simulation news and this is most definitely big. Although at the moment nothing has been released, with the recent MLS news it wouldn’t surprise us at all to see an eNFL emerge. We’re backing the Seahawks.