Excitement is building among Wisconsin Badgers football players as they inch closer to being featured in the highly anticipated return of EA Sports’ NCAA Football video game, slated for release next year. The video game publisher has taken significant strides to secure name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals with college football players, with the final details being worked out through a partnership with OneTeam Partners, LLC. While some specifics are yet to be finalized, the Wisconsin Badgers are familiar with OneTeam Partners, who previously facilitated a group licensing agreement allowing the sale of jerseys and apparel featuring players’ names and numbers at UW’s Bucky’s Locker Room store.
The Road to Revival of NCAA Football Video Games
The last edition of the popular NCAA Football video game was released in July 2013, and fans have eagerly awaited its return ever since. Legal challenges arose when the O’Bannon v. NCAA Supreme Court case raised concerns about the use of players’ likenesses without proper compensation. The court’s ruling that the NCAA violated antitrust laws led to the suspension of the game.
However, recent developments indicate that the road to revival is within reach, with players expected to receive royalties for their inclusion. While an exact figure has yet to be disclosed, reports suggest a $500 royalty per player. The Wisconsin Badgers have been collaborating with media companies working alongside EA Sports to capture imagery of Camp Randall Stadium, ensuring an authentic and immersive game experience.
Wisconsin Badgers Football Involvement and Commitment
Brian Mason, UW’s director of NIL strategy, has been instrumental in navigating the university’s involvement in licensing agreements and ensuring that players receive appropriate compensation. The Badgers’ participation in licensing its logos and materials hinges on EA Sports’ commitment to providing NIL payments to players. The ongoing collaboration between EA Sports, OneTeam Partners, and UW signifies a shared commitment to fair compensation for student-athletes, leading to their inclusion in the game. The opt-in process for players aligns with the protocols followed when allowing their names to be used on merchandise, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and individual choices.
Recently speaking to Kenosha News, Mason talked about the excitement he has found with the players:
“Over the years, the number of times that we’ve had student-athletes talk about how they wish the EA college football game was still around, or they could have been in that … I’ve had those conversations a number of times,” Mason said. “So I think the excitement will be really high on the student-athletes’ part. Definitely excited here institutionally to be part of this and have the opportunity for our student-athletes to be in a video game. And then obviously, for our fans, I think it’s a really exciting development.”
Looking Ahead
While the precise timeline for players receiving and signing the group licensing agreement has yet to be shared, EA Sports remains dedicated to creating an inclusive experience. In the event that a player chooses not to be featured in the game, developers will create a generic avatar to fill their roster spot. OneTeam Partners facilitates the group licensing process using COMPASS NIL, a platform where players review and agree to the terms before finalizing the online process with their e-signature and initials.
The collaboration between EA Sports, OneTeam Partners, the Wisconsin Badgers and many of the College Football teams signifies a new era of fair compensation and recognition for student-athletes. As the game’s release draws nearer, players eagerly anticipate the opportunity to see themselves in virtual action, providing fans with an immersive and authentic college football gaming experience. The return of the beloved franchise signals a positive shift towards embracing and honoring the contributions of collegiate athletes within the digital realm.