EA Sports is stepping up its investment in college athletes, announcing a significant increase in NIL compensation for players featured in the upcoming College Football 26 video game.
The company revealed that participating athletes will now receive $1,500 – more than double the $600 payment offered for College Football 25.
The announcement was made by EA Sports Vice President Sean O’Brien, who emphasized the success of last year’s game and the company’s ongoing effort to support college athletes in meaningful ways.
“EA SPORTS College Football 25 was a tremendous success, and we’re grateful to the fans, our partners, and the thousands of college athletes who helped bring the game to life,” O’Brien said.
“Athletes have always been at the heart of what we do at EA SPORTS, as is compensating them for the use of their name, image, and likeness in our games.”
All FBS athletes who choose to opt in through the One Team platform and COMPASS NIL app will receive the $1,500 payout, as well as a deluxe edition of the game.
This initiative builds on the NIL model EA introduced last year in partnership with One Team Partners, which ensured all athletes were paid equally for their inclusion in College Football 25.
“From the beginning, we’ve designed our NIL program to be accessible, direct, voluntary, and equitable for all,” O’Brien continued.
“College sports are growing and changing, and our focus at EA SPORTS is on continuing to put athletes first as we bring them in the game in College Football 26 and beyond.”
The increased payout reflects EA’s ongoing commitment to fair compensation as college athletics continues to evolve in the NIL era.
With College Football 26 set to follow up on the successful relaunch of the franchise, the company is clearly aiming to solidify its role as a player-first brand in the new landscape of college sports gaming.
What are your thoughts on the pay increase? … Too much? Too little? Or just right???
