The EA SPORTS College Football series has achieved strong sales since its return in 2024, but multiple sources are concerned about its long-term operating costs. Rising player licensing fees are a major pressure point; if revenue fails to keep pace with expenses, sustaining operations over the next five years could be challenging. Sources believe the series will continue to release new titles in the coming years.
EA SPORTS College Football 25 was the second highest-selling game in the US in 2024, while EA SPORTS College Football 26 ranked seventh in 2025. Meanwhile, licensing fees for player names, likenesses, and portraits have increased: according to figures cited in reports, EA SPORTS College Football 25 paid $600 per selected player, with the amount rising to $1,500 per person for EA SPORTS College Football 27, bringing this expense alone close to $20 million. Licenses for schools, bowl games, and more, along with annual development and marketing, also require significant funding.
Beyond costs, monetization methods have also sparked controversy. Reports mention that some single-player modes in EA SPORTS College Football 27 added microtransactions and removed certain existing options; after facing backlash, EA withdrew the new additions. Sources expect that future titles will still seek other ways to generate revenue.
Interviewed sources hold differing views on the series' prospects, with some considering these concerns excessive and remaining optimistic about the franchise. There is currently no evidence that EA has decided to end the series; EA has also not responded to multiple requests for comment from the media.