NIL Payouts Debate and EA Sports College Football
The heavily anticipated return of EA Sports College Football has sparked excitement from college football players who want to see themselves represented in the popular video game. However, there has been a NIL payouts debate. Fair compensation for players has been a topic of discussion, as opting into the game has ignited intense discussions within locker rooms and among industry experts.
On3 Media recently spoke to players at the INFLCR NIL (Name, Image, Likeliness) Summit, getting their opinions and concerns. As the narrative continues and stories unfold, the future of the game is questioned with the potential for mass holdouts and varying opinions on what constitutes fair compensation.
Determining Fair Compensation:
There is a proposed flat rate of $500 per player for opting into the game. This has raised questions about fairness — some players feel that this amount makes sense, as people are just eager to be considered to be put into the game. Unfortunately, others believe it may not be enough to consider their contributions and the potential market value.
Oklahoma quarterback General Booty highlighted the potential domino effect that could occur. If players, such as Caleb Williams, reject the offer, there will a consequential slippery slope.
“We’ve all talked about it because we want the game to come out, obviously. But we were saying if they come out and try to lowball and say we want to give everyone $200,” he said. “Well, guys maybe like, like you mentioned Caleb Williams, may say no and then he’s not in the game.
“And then he does it, then someone else does it and then it’s a domino effect and then it’s ruined.”
(All quotes via On3.)
Booty suggests a range of $600 to $800 to make sure all players are included and also get enough money to satisfy them. The main challenge revolves around satisfying everyone.
Negotiating Higher Fees:
The possibility of a mass holdout by high-profile players seeking greater compensation is a scenario that cannot be ruled out. Jalon Daniels, All-Big 12 second-team quarterback for Kansas, says that there might be some problems and negotiations that will surround agents representing premier quarterbacks, as they might want higher pay.
“I could definitely see it, especially with the highest college football players that are in the nation right now,” he said when asked if he could see high-profile players negotiating for more money. “If they’re getting paid as, you know, somebody who a lot of people really don’t know of and they’re the most known person in college football, I can definitely see their agent saying, ‘Alright, what’s going on here?’”
Differing Perspectives on Compensation:
There was plenty of discussion on compensation during interviews with the FBS players. Some players, like Kansas running back Devin Neal, thought the $500 dollar compensation was acceptable, others disagreed and wanted more. UAB’s Fish McWilliams and Tejhaun Palmer shared their excitement about the game’s return and the nostalgic value it holds for them.
“Just having the video game back itself would be OK with me,” McWilliams said. “I appreciate the NIL for the NCAA game. But I really just want to play the video game and just get it back out there cause it’s been gone for almost 10 years now.”
Stanford cornerback Terian Williams II suggested that compensation should be based on the frequency of a team or player’s appearance in the game, acknowledging the varying levels of popularity among athletes. The diversity of perspectives highlights the complex nature of determining fair compensation and the need for individualized considerations.
The Business Model:
EA Sports’ overall business model of compensation is a large issue. Daniels raised the challenge of finding the right value, considering the diverse nature of NFL contracts. UCLA quarterback Chase Griffin fights a different approach.
“I think whenever you talk about any type of revenue share, there has to be some equity in it,” Griffin said. “Not only, I think, a flat rate but any type of deal where you’re reusing the name, image and likeness, there’s gotta be some subsidiary payment. So, I think the next step is an equity deal with EA where the players who make those games possible have equity and a stake in the performance of the game.
“That’s how it is in every other talent business with residual licensing, you know with music or TV … the more streams, the more uses that your song gets or your show gets, you get paid off that.”
This model also ensures that there will be long-term benefits for players.
Promotional Opportunities:
There are more opportunities for these players from other aspects of EA sports. Revolving social media, more players can have other opportunities to gain more money from the game overall. These promotional opportunities offer a way for athletes to increase their earnings and leverage their personal brand.
There is some trouble in determining fair compensation for college football players in EA Sports College Football. Some players are okay with the flat rate and the original pay, but others are looking for more pay and longer-term benefits from this.
This proposes a challenge for the game developers and they are on the track to figuring this out. As discussions progress, the future of EA Sports College Football hangs in the balance, with the hopes of players, fans and industry experts resting on finding a fair and sustainable solution.
***
SUBSCRIBE to the Vendetta YouTube Channel!
Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch
Click here for more Gaming content
