How much has Wyoming made from EA Sports?

June 25, 2026 - 07:10

LARAMIE - Being the least-populated state in the country hasn't stopped Wyoming from making a name for itself in the video game world. The University of Wyoming has been a fixture in EA Sports' college football series for years, and with the return of the franchise in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus, the financial details are now public.

Under the current name, image, and likeness (NIL) structure, EA Sports pays schools to include their logos, uniforms, and stadiums. For the 2024 edition of the game, the University of Wyoming received a reported $60,000 from the developer. That figure places the Cowboys near the bottom of the Football Bowl Subdivision payouts, but it is still a notable sum for a program that often operates with a smaller budget than its Power Five counterparts.

The money goes directly to the school's athletic department, not to individual players. However, the game also offers a separate opt-in program for athletes, where they can receive a flat fee of $600 and a free copy of the game for allowing their likeness to be used. Over 11,000 players nationwide participated in that program for the latest release.

For Wyoming, the $60,000 check is a small but steady revenue stream. It helps cover costs for equipment, travel, or facility upgrades. While the amount is modest compared to what schools like Alabama or Ohio State earn, it reflects the value of being part of a popular franchise that reaches millions of fans. For a state with fewer than 600,000 residents, that kind of exposure is hard to measure in dollars alone.