FACTRAGE – Following years of anticipation and a seismic shift in collegiate sports regulations, Electronic Arts has confirmed the development of a new college basketball video game, setting the stage for thousands of student-athletes to be compensated for their in-game likenesses.

• A New Era of Compensation – Players will be paid for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) to be included in the game, a direct result of landmark NCAA policy changes and court rulings.
• Building on a Proven Model – The game is expected to follow the framework of the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25, which offered over 11,000 players a base payment of $600 and a copy of the game.
• Industry-Wide Impact – The return marks a significant cultural and financial moment, affecting player earnings, university branding, and the multi-billion-dollar sports video game market.

The announcement is more than just a nostalgic revival for gamers; it represents a fundamental change in the business of college athletics and a new chapter in the creator economy for student-athletes.

Why a Video Game’s Return Signals a Revolution in College Sports

For over a decade, popular college sports video games vanished from shelves. The last installment of EA’s college basketball series, NCAA Basketball 10, was released in 2009. The shutdown stemmed from legal challenges, most notably the O’Bannon v. NCAA lawsuit, which argued that it was illegal for athletes’ likenesses to be used for commercial purposes without compensation.

The legal landscape has since been completely redrawn. The 2021 Supreme Court decision in NCAA v. Alston and subsequent changes to NCAA policy opened the door for athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This paved the way for Electronic Arts to resurrect its beloved college sports titles. The upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 served as the first major test, with the company successfully signing up thousands of athletes for inclusion. The confirmation of a college basketball title shows that this model is the new standard for the industry. What does this mean for the players lacing up their virtual high-tops? It means they finally get a cut.

What Will a Player’s Likeness Be Worth?

The primary question for many observers and athletes is a simple one: how much will they get paid? While specific figures for the basketball game have not been released, the College Football 25 deal provides a clear blueprint. In that agreement, facilitated by group licensing company OneTeam Partners, every athlete who opted in received a baseline of $600 and a copy of the game, valued at approximately $70.

This model democratizes earning potential. While superstar players can command massive individual NIL deals for endorsements, the video game contract provides a foundational income stream for thousands of Division I athletes who may not have national recognition. Over 11,000 college football players—more than 85% of those eligible—accepted the offer, demonstrating a widespread embrace of the opportunity. A similar structure for basketball would mean financial compensation for players on nearly every D-I team, from championship contenders to smaller conference schools.

How Gaming Fits into the Broader Creator Economy for Athletes

The $600 payment is only part of the story. The return of college sports video games integrates student-athletes directly into the modern creator economy. For many players, their in-game avatar will be a significant marketing tool that enhances their personal brand. Being a playable character in a major video game can increase social media following, open doors for streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, and attract other NIL sponsors.

This transforms the athlete from just a participant into a media entity. The game becomes a platform to build a brand that can last beyond their college career. For international players or those with a strong online presence, their digital likeness is a valuable asset in a global marketplace. The revival of the college basketball video game isn’t just about playing the game; it’s about recognizing that in today’s economy, every athlete is also a creator with a brand to manage.