Sue-thing: EA owes NCAA players up to $40 million

NC double PAID

In 2009, former NCAA players sued EA, claiming their likeness was used by EA without their consent and without compensation. EA tried long and hard to have the suit dismissed, but was forced to settle last year, for what was thought to be “tens of millions.” And that was about right as the terms of the settlement have been arranged.

Athletes can receive up to $951 per year they appeared in NCAA Football, NCAA March Madness or NCAA Basketball. This should come out to around $40 million. A far cry from the $1 billion talked about a few years ago, but it’s nice to see exploited peoples be paid back just the same. 

Former students are still suing the NCAA for allowing its partner, EA, to commercialize their image, so hopefully they have another payday coming, because the NCAA is a money making machine and players see nothing while coaches, athletic directors and just about everyone else involved make millions. The NCAA, meanwhile, is suing EA for a breach of contract.

NCAA athlete likeness settlement will cost EA around $40 million [Gamasutra]