EA Sports began the opt-in process Thursday for its upcoming College Football 25 video game, allowing players an opportunity to get paid for their name, image and likeness.
Over 11,000 college football players will now have the choice to receive $600 and a copy of the game if they agree to appear in it, and according to The Athletic, EA is recommending those athletes opt in by April 30 to guarantee their place in this year’s version of the game.
Starting today, 11,000 college football players from all 134 FBS teams can opt into EA Sports College Football 25.
Each will receive:
• $600
• A copy of the game pic.twitter.com/91fKyTxrQB— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 22, 2024
According to ESPN, no services are expected for athletes to be compensated the $600, and they’ll be paid no matter the game’s success. However, EA Sports will have more than 100 additional NIL opportunities for things like social media posts and on-campus promotions.
Athletes who opt in will remain in the game for the entirety of their careers and be paid annually, though they have the option to opt out of future editions. Players who transfer but remain on a roster will continue to be paid.
All 134 FBS schools have agreed to be in the game, which releases this summer. Up to 85 players per school will appear on the initial rosters.