EA has extended its exclusive licensing agreements with the NFL and its players to develop, publish and distribute football games until 2013.

The agreements give EA continued rights to NFL teams, stadiums and players for console and handheld games, console-based online features and access to NFL films and the NFL Network. The financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

“This is all about bringing authenticity and realism to NFL videogames,” said Eric Grubman, President of NFL Ventures. “EA SPORTS continually works to maintain the cutting edge for NFL products across a variety of gaming platforms. We like the fact that they never rest.”

2008 marks the 20th anniversary of EA’s Madden NFL franchise and, with sales of over $2 billion in retail sales, the series has proved that it has still got what it takes.

“For nearly two decades, EA SPORTS has been bringing sports fans closer to the great game of football through the breakthrough interactive experiences of our videogames, commented Peter Moore, President of EA SPORTS.

“Game quality is our top priority, and we’re committed to pushing our game play innovation, connecting football fans via rich online experiences and delivering the most visually stunning sports games on the market.”