The dispute between EA Sports and a group representing 54 Division I schools has evolved into a lawsuit.
The Brandr Group, which has deals to negotiate group licensing agreements for its client schools, is suing EA over the name, image and likeness deals that the video game group is offering athletes to participate in the EA Sports College Football video game.
The long-dormant franchise is set to return in 2024.
As Front Office Sports noted in breaking the story, EA made a deal in May 2023 with OneTeam Partners to help facilitate group licensing deals with athletes. The duo is offering deals that athletes can “opt into” — thereby circumventing The Brandr Group.
The current deal is reportedly $500 per athlete and no royalties. The Brandr Group and an “athlete advocate group” called The College Football Players Association both claim that the deal is far below market value.
The lawsuit states athletes and schools have until June 30th to opt-in. The Brandr Group is requesting EA “halt all of its negotiations with athletes and schools which the company has contracts,” Front Office Sports reports.
As we have previously stated, our primary concern is advocating for student-athletes, ensuring they have a voice and are justly represented in all matters pertaining to the use of their NIL,” The Brandr Group said in a statement. “We believe that student-athletes are not receiving fair market value for their NIL rights and that the contractual rights asked for may limit other NIL gaming opportunities. We have no further comment at this time.”
EA has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
