EA Sports NCAA football video game is FINALLY making a comeback after a 10-year break, but there are concerns about player compensation. In the past, college athletes were unhappy with their likeness being used in the game without receiving any payment. Following a class-action lawsuit and the Supreme Court’s ruling, the game was discontinued. However, with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, the game is set to return in 2024, with players now being compensated. EA Sports has allocated a $5 million pool to pay players around $500 each.
The issues start when players feel that they deserve more than the offered $500. Some athletes have already discussed the possibility of holding out from the game to negotiate for higher compensation. A mass holdout is a realistic concern, as players recognize their value and the potential leverage they have. Then again, I don’t think that a random special teams player at a bottom-tier program is worth $500. There are a lot of things that EA has to figure out and they get paid handsomely to figure these things out.
In my opinion, I really don’t see how this could hurt the sales of the game. Just like in the previous games, you knew who the players were regardless of whether their names are on the screen or not. I don’t think anybody is going to be playing the game and wondering who is Quarterback #13 on USC. Just like when you were controlling #15 on the Florida Gators, nobody was fooled. Everyone knew it was Tim Tebow. I think guys could hold out, but if you’re in the top 1% of NCAA football players, you’re getting money in other ways.
Ultimately, the success of the game and player compensation will depend on individual decisions. If one player takes a stand, it could lead to a snowball effect, with more players following suit until their demands are met.
