EA Sports to Offer Compensation to College Football Players Featured in Upcoming Game

Electronic Arts has announced plans to compensate college football players who appear in its forthcoming game, marking a significant shift in the company's approach. According to an EA Sports spokesperson, all Football Bowl Subdivision players will have the option to include their names and likenesses in the game, with remuneration to follow. The exact amount of payment has yet to be determined, as details are still being finalized, but the publisher aims to achieve maximum inclusivity and equity. Historically, college athletes were barred from receiving payment for the use of their name, image, or likeness, resulting in unpaid appearances in EA's previous college football series. However, a 2019 California law and the NCAA's subsequent reversal of its stance on compensating college players have paved the way for this new development. EA is collaborating with OneTeam Partners to facilitate the integration of collegiate athletes' names and likenesses into the game. While face scans will be available for some players, not all will have this option due to the large number of FBS players. Over 120 FBS schools, all 10 FBS conferences, and the College Football Playoff have committed to participating in the game. Notre Dame, which had previously expressed reservations about involvement, has been working with EA Sports on the integration of names, images, and likenesses. The game is expected to be released in summer 2024, three years after the series' revival was announced.