Amidst college athletes being urged to opt out of EA Sports College Football inclusion, it appears things have only gotten worst between the affected parties.
EA Sports College Football potentially delayed due to litigation
In its quest to revive a once great franchise to its best form, EA Sports faces more roadblocks. Reports from this week claim The Brandr Group, or TBG, filed a lawsuit against EA Sports in the Northern District of California for “tortious interference”. This term is used to describe the act of intentionally harming someone’s business or contractual relationship with a third party. Our previous report notes EA Sports is in talks with OneTeam Partners to negotiate a deal to compensate athletes. So where does TBG come in?
According to the Lawsuit and the group’s history, TBG facilitates group licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes as well as represents more than 54 Division I institutions. Athletes have the option to enter into the group licensing deal, according to Brandr. If TBG has been fair to the student-athlete body in the past is anyone’s guess, but we do know that through its talks with TBG competitor, OneTeam, EA Sports has attempted to nearly criminally undercompensate athletes for their inclusion.
As stated in our previously mentioned report, and the main cause for wanting students to opt out of the game’s inclusion, EA Sports wants to commit to a 5 million dollar compensation pool. That may sound like a hefty purse, but this is a pool estimated to be about $500 dollars an athlete. Nor does it offer them royalties.
The Brandr Group has filed a temporary restraining order against EA Sports, which has responded by filing to deny the TRO.
If it was granted, it could delay the release of the video game.
“It could slow things down.”
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— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) June 28, 2023
TBG feels that by going through its competitor to secure a deal for compensation, one that underpays the athletes, EA Sports has caused harm between the parties.
What’s next for EA Sports College Football?
EA Sports filed for a denial of the lawsuit, allowing them to proceed for the time being. Had this TRO gone through, we would have likely seen another delay for EA Sports College Football. While the lawsuit does raise some alarms, as of now, EA likely can just move on without including athletes under TBG’s licensing.
“The complaint will not impact our development timelines…the game is on track and is a priority for EA Sports.”
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