Steve Berman Issues Statement Regarding $60 Million NCAA/EA Settlement

Plaintiffs’ attorney, Steve Berman, of Seattle-based Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro issued the following statement in regards to the approved $60 million settlement for student-athletes in a class-action lawsuit filed against the NCAA and Electronic Arts, Inc. claiming the companies illegally use college football and basketball players’ names and likenesses in video games without permission or consent from the player.

We are pleased with the decision from Judge Wilken to approve the $60 million combined settlement that will be distributed to hundreds of student-athletes. This landmark decision marks the first time that student-athletes will be paid for their likeness or image, and stands as a huge victory in the ongoing fight for student-athletes’ rights.
– Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro

The suit claims using a player’s name, picture or likeness violates contracts and licensing agreements in NCAA bylaws. Despite these prohibitions, the NCAA allegedly condones the use of players in EA games to increase popularity and ultimately increase revenues and profits, the suit claims.

Hagens Berman has been a pioneer in national sports litigation and has filed class-action lawsuits against FIFA, the NFL, the NCAA and other sports governing bodies concerning risks to players’ safety, concussions and brain injuries, and rights to fair scholarships.

Find out more about Hagens Berman’s sports litigation practice area.

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights class-action law firm with offices in nine cities. The firm has been named to the National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs’ Hot List eight times. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.