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he National Football League Players’ Association (NFLPA) has announced a partnership with video game creator, 2K.

This deal allows 2K the rights to feature the names, numbers, images, and likeness of more than 2,000 current NFL players in multiple games and comes after 2K finalised a deal with the NFL in March allowing them to produce non-simulation football games.

2K president, David Ismailer, said the non-simulation games are in development and will launch in 2021.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the NFLPA and OneTeam (the NFLPA’s group licensing representative) to bring the biggest and best stars in football to the games we’re working on,” Ismailer said.

“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,” he said.

NFL Players Inc., the NFLPA’s marketing and licensing arm interim president, Steve Scebelo, said Electronic Arts (EA) will still hold the rights to the NFL’s official simulation game until at least 2026 after the deal was extended in May for a reported US$1.6 billion.

“2K has a proven track record of high-profile and successful business relationships with other sports leagues, professional athletes, and their collective fans,” Scebelo said.

“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,” he said.