NCAA Football: EA Sports lawsuit dropped, video game expected to come out on time

Fans of sports video games were overjoyed to hear last year that the NCAA Football series was returning. Thanks to new NIL rules, EA Sports (the company that made the NCAA Football game from 1998-2013) can use players’ names, images, and likenesses as long as they pay them for it.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the plan was for every player across Division-I football to be offered a $500 one-time payment for use of their likeness in the NCAA Football game that is set to be released in 2024. If a player accepts, he will be in the game; if a player declines, he will not.

Though the agreement appeared pretty straightforward as a choice for players, some groups, including a Clemson alum-led College Football Players Association and The Brandr Group, opposed the game’s creation. The CFPA pushed a boycott of the future game’s release and inclusion in the game by players, and The Brandr Group even brought a lawsuit against EA Sports.

According to a report from The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, that lawsuit now has been dropped.

NCAA Football video game fans can celebrate as it seems like the 11-year drought without the game soon will be over. Pending players opting into the game, the latest installment in the series will be released.

It is worth noting that no official offer has been sent out to football players across the country. Multiple reports this year indicate that the plan is to offer $500 per player, but nothing has been done officially just yet.

In the game, it is believed that players will be able to have a similar experience to past editions of the game with team-focused game modes, individual-based gameplay, and recruiting. Newer college football elements like the transfer portal are thought to be included, as well.

EA Sports makes the Madden franchise for the NFL, as well, so the in-game football is expected to resemble the feel of those games.

The game is expected to be released in the summer of 2024.