NCAA Players to Share in $40M Videogame Settlement

A $40 million settlement has been completed that will pay college football and basketball players dating back to 2003 for the use of their likenesses in NCAA branded videogames.

The payouts could go to more than 100,000 athletes – including some current players – who were either on college rosters or had their images used in videogames made by Electronic Arts featuring college teams. Lawyers for the plaintiffs say it would be the first time college athletes will be paid for the commercial use of their images.

Payments could range from $48 for each year an athlete was on a roster to $951 for each year the image of an athlete was used in a videogame.

The settlement is with Electronic Arts and Collegiate Licensing Co., which licenses and markets college sports, and does not include the NCAA. The case against the NCAA is scheduled for trial early next year.