Former college athletes reach settlement in video game lawsuit

For the better part of four years, former college athletes have been fighting in court to be compensated for the popular video games that bear their likenesses and jersey numbers.

Now they have won a partial victory.

On Thursday, attorneys for the players announced a settlement that will pay tens of thousands of former athletes -- if not more -- for games that included their likenesses dating to 2003.

Even before the agreement, Electronic Arts had announced the discontinuation of its “NCAA Football” series. The amount it will now pay -- which was not disclosed -- must be approved by a judge.

Collegiate Licensing Co., which holds the licensing rights associated with many colleges, was also part of the settlement and will compensate athletes for other branded items, plaintiffs’ attorney Eugene Egdorf said.

Thursday’s development resolves at least one aspect of the multiple lawsuits referred to collectively as O’Bannon vs. NCAA. Former UCLA basketball star Ed O’Bannon is among the original plaintiffs.

Notably missing from the agreement was the NCAA, which has vowed to continue fighting in court.

ALSO:

Anderson Silva confident about rematch against Chris Weidman

Bud Selig confirms he’ll retire as MLB commissioner in January 2015

Former NFL player seeks charges against teen who trashed his home