NCAA President Mark Emmert Outlines Steps Necessary to Bring Back Classic Video Game
The EA Sports NCAA Football video games are a nostalgic reminder of childhood for many fanatics out there. Games for both NCAA basketball and football existed, but there was one major problem: the players weren't being paid for their likeness.
That is the obvious dilemma with bringing these games back and NCAA President Mark Emmert recently discussed the process toward getting the games back on consoles.
#NCAA president Mark Emmert on the steps to having the NCAA video game return. pic.twitter.com/ctaybVgDVa
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 17, 2019
Emmert lays out plenty of reasons without a lot of hope or optimism. The last NCAA football game came out in 2013 and featured Michigan's Denard Robinson on the cover. Of course, this was considered an honor instead of a money-making opportunity.
On the NCAA video game: NCAA president Mark Emmert said he is open to bringing it back, but would need 1. assurances that no more lawsuits would be filed, 2. a group license deal that gives students a voice 3. without giving them a union and making them employees. #aspensportslab
— Jane McManus (@janesports) December 17, 2019
Emmert offered up logical reasons, but still won't gain any sympathy from fans. The organization would make money from the game and Emmert emphasized that the athletes would have a tough time fighting for said financial gain without taking the legal route, which would end the whole discussion.
It may take sweeping changes and a regulated compensation model in the NCAA for any video game to be realistic. For now, fans just have to hope the old disks hang on for a few more dynasty modes.