NCAA Cuts Ties to EA Sports Football Video Game Franchise

The NCAA released a statement on Wednesday saying it has decided to end its contract with EA Sports' popular football video game. According to the press release, NCAA Football 14 will be the final installment for the franchise.

Here is the full statement:

The NCAA has made the decision not to enter a new contract for the license of its name and logo for the EA Sports NCAA Football video game. The current contract expires in June 2014, but our timing is based on the need to provide EA notice for future planning. As a result, the NCAA Football 2014 video game will be the last to include the NCAA’s name and logo. We are confident in our legal position regarding the use of our trademarks in video games. But given the current business climate and costs of litigation, we determined participating in this game is not in the best interests of the NCAA.

 

The NCAA has never licensed the use of current student-athlete names, images or likenesses to EA. The NCAA has no involvement in licenses between EA and former student-athletes. Member colleges and universities license their own trademarks and other intellectual property for the video game. They will have to independently decide whether to continue those business arrangements in the future.

This move comes as a result of the recent lawsuits by former athletes to get compensated for the use of their image and likeness. A strong debate has brewed as the discussion about pay for play continues to grow. As of now, it looks like the decision has been made to abandon the use of players likenesses instead of opening up the pocketbook. That's a disappointment.

This news is a sign up what's to come with the future of the video game industry and college athletics. Without the NCAA on board, look for teams like Alabama University and Auburn State with a team full of generic looking players. This video game helps drive the excitement for college football and it's a shame to see that come to an end.

UPDATE: The Collegiate Licensing Company has signed a three year deal with EA Sports, which will give the video game rights to use 150 college football teams, conferences, and bowl games.