• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 20, 2025

EA Sports to Pay Players $1,500 for College Football Game, With Royalties Still on Table

A company representing players is still negotiating for the possibility of royalties on top of the $1,500 payout, a source tells FOS.

Arch Manning
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

EA Sports is upping its payment to players for participating in the next iteration of the College Football game from $600 to $1,500, Front Office Sports has confirmed. Players will also receive extra revenue for appearing in promotional materials.

The Athletic first reported the news

The licensing company OneTeam Partners, which is facilitating the deal, is still negotiating for the possibility of royalties on top of the $1,500 payout, a source tells FOS. Royalties are widely considered an industry standard for deals like this that involve group licensing.

The deal comes months after EA Sports College Football was reported to be the highest-grossing video game in 2024, sports or otherwise. It’s estimated to be in the top-50 most popular video games of all time

In February, a new company called Pathway Sports and Entertainment—formed with the exclusive purpose of negotiating video game deals for football players—announced it was offering a $1,500 payment to any player who signed up to allow them to negotiate their video game rights. Pathway, however, is unable to negotiate on behalf of players for the 2026 version of the game, it appears. OneTeam has an exclusive, multiyear deal to negotiate on behalf of players, FOS confirmed.

Thus, the athletes who have already signed up with Pathway have already received their $1,500 payment, and have the opportunity to work with Pathway on negotiations next year. This year, however, they’ll sign up for the game through OneTeam Partners—and receive an additional $1,500.

“This is great news for college football players and aligns with our vision at Pathway, which is to provide the most professional, transparent, and legitimate NIL program for college athletes,” said Casey Schwab, founder of Pathway Sports and Entertainment. “We look forward to working with EA and others to achieve our long-term goals.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Doubleheaders Will End—If NFL Equity Deal Clears

ESPN is broadcasting its fourth “MNF” doubleheader this season.
Indiana

Indiana Is the Center of the Sports World—Again

After successful NBA and WNBA seasons, Indiana’s football teams are thriving.
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea takes the field before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Biggest Beneficiaries of College Football’s Coaching Carousel

Newcomer programs are coughing up cash to ensure their coaches stay.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
BYU

BYU Lost Its Star QB This Summer. Now It’s One of the..

The Cougars are thriving with a true freshman at quarterback.
October 19, 2025

Florida, Colorado State Firings Push CFB Buyouts Past $100M

Nine FBS head coaches have been fired since the season started.
October 19, 2025

Beyond Ohio State, It’s Another Massive Shake-Up in the CFB Top 25

Nine of the top 10 teams changed positions in Week 9.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium.
October 17, 2025

Belichick’s UNC Saga Now Includes GM Trip to Saudi Arabia

UNC GM Michael Lombardi traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Cignetti
October 17, 2025

Curt Cignetti Lands Third Contract in Just 19 Games With Indiana

Cignetti signed a new contract five days after Indiana upset Oregon.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan (0) makes a catch for a first down in the first half against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
October 16, 2025

Michigan Board Publicly Opposes Big Ten Investment Proposal

“The Big Ten does not need to be sold to save college sports.”
Tortillas
October 16, 2025

Texas Tech-Kansas Tortilla-Knife Mess Ends With $50K in Fines

Texas Tech’s tortilla tradition got both teams in trouble.