When Electronic Arts signed an exclusive licensing deal with the NFL and its players association last month, you didn't have to be an expert to know that the fight was on for similar deals with other sporting leagues. Now Take Two Interactive has stepped up to the plate and locked in a deal of its own.
The publisher has signed a semi-exclusive deal with the Major League Baseball Player's Association. The seven-year deal, which begins in 2006, will preclude third-party video game publishers (including EA) from using the likeness of any Player's Association member. Take Two has yet to seal a deal with Major League Baseball for rights to team names, stadiums and other assets.
