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Today’s Case

EA Sports will allow FBS athletes to opt into 2024 video game

The first version of a college football game in years is set to be released in 2024 - one that will include the virtual and digital likenesses of actual players in the game.

An Electronic Arts (EA) Sports representative confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that it has contracted with OneTeam Partners to "facilitate collegiate athletes' names and likenesses" into the game, solving one of the major questions about college football's return to the video game space.

From the ESPN.com article: “The partnership will include the chance for all eligible FBS players to opt in to have their likenesses in EA Sports College Football, the (EA Sports) representative said. Those players will receive compensation for being placed in the game.”

The representative also said over 120 FBS schools have committed to being in the game -- along with all 10 FBS conferences and the College Football Playoff -- with the goal remaining to have every FBS school in the game. And while the agreement has not been finalized, the source indicated the cash pool was in the $5 million neighborhood, which would pay each player $500.

The Verdict:

• Is $500 worth it for these athletes?

  • While $500 is certainly better than $0, this begs the question: Exactly how much is an athlete worth for their NIL?

    • Is $500 enough? Too much? Too little?

    • Athletes should also be working with collectives to increase their NIL earnings

  • Another route to take could be athletes opting-in to a percentage of each game sold

    • This would be dependent on numerous factors: Percentage amount, possible dollar amount cap, how many athletes would opt-in vs. taking $500 upfront, etc.

• O’Bannon v. NCAA was the jumpstart for this moment (and NIL in general)

  • NIL’s origins date back to nearly 10 years ago when former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon and 19 others sued the NCAA, arguing the latter violated U.S. antitrust laws by not allowing athletes to make a share of revenues generated from the use of their name, image and likeness in broadcasts and video games.

    • After losing in the O’Bannon lawsuit in 2014, EA shut down the college football video game production.

      • Nearly 10 years later, this game is coming back with NIL in mind.

Travis Hunter signs NIL deal with WaterLand Co.

The Colorado Cornerback adds to his NIL portfolio, this time for the company’s fishing sunglasses. Head over to Instagram for more!

Question of the Day

Will you buy the EA Sports College Football 2024 game?

• Yes

• No

Vote on the Sports Court Instagram Story and comment below.

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Court is adjourned. Go be great!!