Don’t know about you, but we’ve definitely tried our hands at Madden. If we can’t be a part of NFL in real life, there’s nothing stopping us from virtually playing the sport. Americans spend hours hooked to their gaming consoles or PCs, crafting their dream team or practicing their football skills.

Ever wondered if the players actually get paid by EA for them using their likeness and names? It turns out that they do. But how much? Getting that answer is a tad bit more difficult.

NFL compensation shrouded in mystery

Madden, the titan of American football video games, commands the attention of fans annually with its highly anticipated release. Amidst this fervor, a recurring inquiry dominates the discourse: How much do NFL players pocket from their involvement in the Madden franchise?

The answer, however, remains shrouded in mystery. NFL players, despite their prominent presence in the game, do not receive direct compensation for their virtual avatars’ appearances. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) governs this intricate relationship, orchestrating licensing agreements with EA Sports that permit the use of players’ images and likenesses. Negotiated and renewed periodically, these agreements safeguard players’ rights and ostensibly secure equitable compensation for the utilization of their digital personas.

While speculation abounds, the actual figures elude scrutiny, leaving fans to ponder the intricacies of this behind-the-scenes contractual labyrinth. But you know what we do know the numbers for? EA’s latest Sports College Football game.

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How much does EA pay college players?

Starting Thursday, college football players can opt in to EA Sports College Football 25, confirmed by Sean O’Brien, EA Sports’ VP of business development, in an interview with ESPN. In exchange for granting EA Sports the rights to use their name, image, and likeness, each participating athlete will receive $600 along with a complimentary copy of the game, valued at a minimum of $60.

This initiative opens the door for over 11,000 players nationwide to be featured in one of the most highly anticipated sports video game releases in recent times. Athletes who opt in will have the chance to appear in all future editions of the game unless they decide to opt out. “We feel very proud that we’ll be the largest program, likely the highest-spending program,” remarked Sean O’Brien. “And really an inclusive opportunity with an equitable distribution of funds across the board.”

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At launch, all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools have agreed to be featured in the game, with many already collaborating with EA Sports to incorporate university-specific elements such as crowd noise and fight songs. However, FCS schools will not be included in the initial release of EA Sports College Football 25.