Maddden fans rejoice! Major changes are coming to the next iteration of the game.
Ahead of the mid-August release of Madden 26, EA Sports has provided updates on forthcoming changes to expect in the new game. After sharing updates on the gameplay, the latest updates include news on the franchise mode and game presentation.
With a revamp coming to one of the game's most popular modes, The Sporting News breaks down some of the changes outlined by EA Sports ahead of the release of Madden 26.
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Madden 26 new features
The new changes to franchise mode are described as "the most meaningful update in over a decade."
One of the biggest changes includes the new game presentation, as Thursday night, Sunday night and Monday night games will have unique features that differ from a standard Sunday afternoon broadcast. NFL RedZone's Scott Hanson will provide commentary at halftime of games in the mode.
A look at changes to the 'Madden NFL 26' presentation in Franchise Mode, which includes custom broadcast packages for SNF, MNF, and TNF, as well as Scott Hanson hosting halftime shows and weekly recaps. 🏈📺🎙️🎮 #NFL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 2, 2025
(h/t: @EAMaddenNFL; @MySportsUpdate) pic.twitter.com/I4xhfyL3QO https://t.co/HTA9CzBaZg
Among the new features in Franchise Mode are a revitalized coaching system, which includes a coach creation process that spans from physical features, apparel and coaching archetypes.
New to the game are coach abilities, built to reflect the skills, traits and characteristics of NFL coaches. Among them are 48 game-day abilities and 28 seasonal abilities that can be upgraded at different tier levels.
As for opponents, there are new AI abilities that allow opposing coaches to adjust to the user's coaching tendencies appropriately.
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Franchise mode also features new weekly strategy features, allowing users to engage in enhanced game-week prep for upcoming matchups.
Playsheets have been added to the mode, allowing users to add a focused set of plays to the pre-existing playbook. These playsheets are also tiered and fit within different styles.
Player Wear and Tear has been added to franchise mode, and users can prioritize training and workload to mitigate injury and injury risk to players. Trainers have different abilities, and practice intensity can be adjusted accordingly.
These factors and features are managed in the coaching hub, where you can also keep up with your coach approval rating. Rich Eisen will provide dynamic commentary that allows you to keep up with your progress.
There will also be more unique draft prospects, enhanced player longevity and progression, smarter simulation stats and morale and revampled player tags and news stories, making for a more authentic draft process and better storylines around the league.
The highlights are detailed further in the newest deep dive.
Madden Franchise mode complaints
The fact that this update is described as being the biggest in years is no exaggeration.
Fans are pleased with the new abilities to plan around coaching from week to week and the more realistic approach to injuries. There have been complaints about the realism of contracts in franchise mode, some of which are still being sorted out.
The playsheets are a step toward custom playbooks that fans have been asking for in recent years, but the overwhelming sentiment is that the Madden franchise spent meaningful time making additions and improvements to the franchise mode.
When is Madden 26 coming out?
- Date: Aug. 14
Madden 26 has an official release date for Thursday, Aug. 14. Fans who pre-order an early-access edition of the game will be able to play on Monday, Aug. 11.
Who is on the cover of Madden 26?
Eagles superstar running back Saquon Barkley is on the cover of Madden 26.
The main cover features a recreation of Barkley's iconic backwards hurdle over a Jaguars defender during the 2024 season.
"I'm grateful to my teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support," Barkley said in a statement, per Eagles.com. "I can't wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments in Madden NFL 26."
Watch Madden 26 trailers
The first official trailer for Madden 26 was released on June 4.
Two weeks later, EA Sports released a deep dive into new gameplay changes for Madden 26.