Do athletes get paid to be on the cover of video games?

Do Athletes Get Paid to Be on the Cover of Video Games?

The world of sports is closely intertwined with the digital realm, and video game companies often seek to capitalize on the popularity of professional athletes in their games. One important question arises: do professional athletes get paid to have their likenesses featured as cover athletes for video game franchises like NBA 2K, Madden NFL, and FIFA? In this article, we’ll shed light on the answer by exploring the various agreements in place between athletes, the leagues they play in, and the video game industries.

The Basics

When an athlete is hired to be the cover face of a video game series, they typically receive more than just a simple feature. The payment scale varies greatly depending on individual agreements and the popularity of the game. Take, for instance, Peyton Manning, who was estimated to have earned around $10 million for his tenure as the cover athlete on Madden NFL. On the other hand, some pro players, like NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, negotiate deals worth millions of dollars for a single yearlong partnership.

Licensure Agreements

NBA 2K pays the NBA as a whole for the endorsement rights, which are tied to the league’s intellectual property and the likenesses of its players. The NBA Players Association () negotiates these agreements through collective bargaining, ensuring shares of the revenue generated from game sales, game-related revenue, and promotional activities. The process is similar for other football leagues like the NFLPA (National Football League Player Association) and the NLFPA (National Hockey League Players Association).

Fees for Player Likenesses

In addition to the NBA’s overall lump sum, individual players participating in the game receive supplemental payments for their likenesses. The amount varies depends on factors like the:

• Player’s popularity: Top players’ likenesses are more commonly featured in the game.
• Game’s audience: The more popular an athlete, the more recognition they gain from the digital audience.
• Player’s performance: Exceptional sporting achievements may lead to inclusion in more prominent roles inside the game.

Recent Examples

• Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James: For his 37th birthday, James will receive $10 billion for his appearance on NBA 2K23, making him only the third player to adorn the cover of the games since 2000 – after Shaquille ONeal and Kobe Bryan**.
• Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry: Steph Curry became the first of many to earn payday for his likeness appearances when he was granted a reported $35 million for his image on the cover of PGA Tour 2K2020.

Conclusion

In conclusion, professional athletes participate in the video game sports world for various reasons.

• They receive payment solely for their likenesses displayed in video games.
  • Payment scales vary in response to individual agreements concerning popularity and performance.
    League licensing agreements and collective labor agreements with the players negotiate revenue sharing.
• To sum up, athletes with more widespread recognition and competitive prowess have a greater appeal for game developers, offering higher payouts for their exclusive likenesses.

In contrast, athletes receiving no payment for their resemblance in the game, indicating a lesser demand for features in popular video games.

References:
1.. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from <www.vintageisthenewold.com/faq/#do-athletesget-paid-to-be-on-2k-cover>
². (n). Retrieved from <>.