In an adrenaline-fueled twist of events, EA Sports is charging ahead, undeterred by the legal storm cloud hanging over its return to the college football gaming arena. Despite facing persistent legal challenges on licensing rights, the highly-anticipated 'College Gridiron Glory' video game is still set to hit stores in the summer of 2024, according to an exclusive report from On3.
Expressing unwavering enthusiasm, an Electronic Arts spokesperson declared, "We're on the brink of bringing back an unparalleled college football experience, tailored for the fervent fans and athletes who have ardently supported the franchise. Summer 2024 will witness the triumphant return."
The legal battleground was set when The Brandr Group, orchestrator of group licensing deals for numerous Division I schools, threw down the gauntlet with a lawsuit against EA in June. EA's maneuver of engaging with OneTeam Partners for collective bargaining, instead of The Brandr Group, triggered a legal showdown.
The Brandr Group contends that it retains the right to negotiate contracts and deals for athletes at the schools under its purview. Additionally, it alleges EA's move to offer opt-in deals excluding The Brandr Group constitutes "tortious interference."
Despite these legal theatrics, EA remains steadfast. Last week, the gaming giant filed a motion to dismiss The Brandr Group's lawsuit, signaling confidence that legal hurdles won't impede the game's progress.
The resurrection of the college football gaming saga was announced by EA in November 2022, reviving a franchise that began with the iconic Bill Walsh College Football in 1993. EA acquired NCAA licensing rights in 1998, ushering in a yearly tradition with the inaugural NCAA Football 98.
This legacy was abruptly halted in 2013 following a lawsuit by former UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon and a cohort of over 20 former college athletes. They alleged EA had exploited their likenesses without proper authorization, resulting in the franchise's suspension.
As the legal drama unfolds, EA Sports remains undaunted, promising an immersive and authentic experience that will redefine the college football gaming landscape come Summer 2024. The stage is set for a triumphant return to the virtual gridiron, marking a thrilling new chapter in the storied franchise.
