After more than ten years, EA Sports is gearing up to release a new college football video game titled EA Sports College Football 25, slated for release this summer. While fans eagerly await its arrival, perhaps no one is more excited than NCAA players themselves.

Numerous college football athletes will now have the opportunity to opt in and receive compensation for the use of their likeness in the game, marking a significant change since the last installment, NCAA Football 14, was released in July 2013. With evolving regulations surrounding name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, EA Sports has implemented a new system to ensure players are fairly compensated for their image rights. But what are they exactly?

EA Sports College Football 25 perks

Thursday marked the commencement of the opt-in process for EA Sports’ highly anticipated College Football 25 video game, offering college players the chance to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). With over 11,000 college football athletes eligible to participate, players have the option to receive $600 along with a complimentary copy of the game in exchange for their appearance. The roster includes 11,000 potential players, making this a $6.6 million move from the gaming company. According to reports, EA is advising athletes to opt in by April 30 to ensure their inclusion in this year’s edition of the game.

Athletes won’t need to provide any services to receive the $600 compensation, and they’ll be paid regardless of the game’s performance. However, EA Sports plans to offer over 100 additional NIL opportunities, including social media endorsements and on-campus promotions. Once athletes opt in, they’ll be featured in the game throughout their college careers and receive annual payments. However, they have the flexibility to opt out of future editions if they choose to do so. Even if players transfer to different schools, as long as they remain on a roster, they’ll continue to receive payments. All 134 FBS schools have agreed to participate in the game’s release this summer, with initial rosters featuring up to 85 players per school.

Additional room for NIL benefits for student-athletes 

Cory Moss, CEO of the Collegiate Licensing Company, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of EA’s initiative, highlighting that every participating student-athlete is guaranteed revenue—a scale unprecedented in previous endeavors. Moreover, EA Sports is extending payment opportunities beyond game participation. Athletes in both men’s and women’s sports can earn compensation for various promotional activities, such as social media posts, advertising, on-campus appearances, and cover usage. These efforts are expected to generate further NIL opportunities.

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Notre Dame’s recent announcement solidified the inclusion of all 134 FBS programs in the game, though FCS schools will not be featured. Daryl Holt, EA Sports’ Senior Vice President, confirmed collaborations with schools to obtain roster photos for accurate player likenesses. Looking ahead, EA Sports remains committed to the long term, anticipating potential changes in college football dynamics. With a proactive strategy in place, the company is prepared to navigate future developments and maintain its presence in the collegiate gaming landscape.