Monarchs fans can fire up the game and play as Jason Henderson and Grant Wilson before they hit the gridiron this fall.
Old Dominion University is one of 134 college football teams included in a popular sports video game that made its return this month after an 11-year hiatus.
EA Sports’ “College Football 25” hit store shelves this month, allowing players to pick their favorite collegiate team, players and stadium.
To be included, schools had to send several assets to EA so developers could accurately depict the game day atmosphere.
WHRO filed a Freedom of Information Act request to see what ODU provided to game designers.
In response, ODU shared it gave EA Sports photos that included the team running onto the field and Big Blue; diagrams of uniforms; various helmet designs; and the “Victory for Old Dominion” fight song.
The school also shared game updates it received from the company, which included the royalty payment structure.
As of March 2024, participating schools where guaranteed a minimum royalty amount based on a “tier” they fall in. The tier is determined by the football program’s performance over 10 consecutive seasons, starting in the 2014 season.
MORE: OTHER DOCUMENTS ODU PROVIDED TO EA SPORTS
ODU was placed in Tier 4, the lowest of the tiers, which guarantees $9,987.52.
“We are hopeful that actual sales and royalties to exceed the minimum guaranteed royalties, which will increase revenue,” the agreement reads.
Players included in the game as part of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals with EA can get paid separately, which are allowed under NCAA rules and protected under a new Virginia law.
Other Virginia teams in the game include James Madison, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and Liberty University.
