NFLPA and 2K Reveal Partnership For Multiple Football Games

Written by Brandon Hofer on July 30, 2020

News: 2K is returning to making football games with one of them set to launch in 2021.

2K, OneTeam Partners and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), have revealed a partnership that will allow the label to include National Football League (NFL) players in multiple football games in development and set to launch starting in calendar year 2021, during Take-Two Interactive’s fiscal year 2022.

The partnership will grant 2K the right to feature the names, numbers, images and likenesses for over 2,000 current NFL players. OneTeam, the NFLPA’s group licensing representative, facilitated the deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the NFLPA and OneTeam to bring the biggest and best stars in football to the games we’re working on,” said David Ismailer, President of 2K. “We want to give fans experiences that are authentic, memorable and fun, and having a roster of real-life sports heroes through the Players Association and OneTeam is a huge part of delivering on that promise.”

“2K has a proven track record of high-profile and successful business relationships with other sports leagues, professional athletes and their collective fans,” said Steve Scebelo, Interim President of NFL Players Inc., the marketing and licensing arm the NFLPA. “The label makes some of the best sports video games in the world, and we look forward to working with 2K, our players and OneTeam on future projects.”

“Sports video gaming is a massive growth category, and the partnership between the NFLPA and 2K presents an opportunity not only to excite current gamers but also reach untapped future audiences,” said Ahmad Nassar, CEO of OneTeam Partners. “Our role is to bring together strong collective rights that can be supported by the most innovative and creative businesses, benefiting all stakeholders. We are pleased to be a part of this important partnership.”

2K's NFL games will be non-simulation football game experiences, and are currently in early stages of development. Specific game titles, developers and release dates will be announced at a later date. What do you think about this announcement? Tell us in the comments below.