It's about time EA Sports brought back college basketball.

Fans of college sports video games have been missing something for a long time, especially those of us who recall the good old days of playing on the virtual hardwood. Last year was a big win for college football, but I always thought college basketball should have its time in the spotlight as well. Now that I've seen a mysterious tweet and an official confirmation, my wishes have been met: Ea Sports is finally bringing back their collegiate basketball video game series, and I'm so happy.

This news has been a long time coming, especially since these games used to be so popular. Many gamers played NCAA March Madness, which was eventually just called NCAA Basketball, every year from 1998 until it was canceled in 2009. The main reason it and other college sports games went away was because of legal issues around using player names, photos, and likenesses without paying them. The latest modifications that let collegiate athletes generate money from their NIL have made it evident that these games can make a real comeback.

The Long Wait for College Basketball Is Over

What Made EA Sports College Basketball Come Back?

EA Sports College Football 25 was the best-selling sports video game in the US after it came out in 2024. This declaration was certainly made possible by that success. It showed that a lot of people desire to play college sports games, and it's simple to see why EA Sports would want to take advantage of that. The firm tweeted a picture of an EA Sports basketball with the words "Bring the Madness." "Let's run it back" is a clear reference to March Madness and the game's return.

EA Sports is said to be planning to release the first new collegiate basketball game in 2028. We still have a few years to wait, but knowing that it's really happening makes the wait a lot easier. The game's reported scope is much more exciting. EA Sports wants to include all 730 Division I men's and women's college basketball teams, as long as they agree to it, and will pay players for their likeness. This promise to include both men's and women's teams is a big step forward, and it's something I've been waiting for.

A New Era for College Sports Betting

What will be different about this game compared to previous ones?

While collegiate basketball games were popular in the past, they never made as much money as college football games. There were also two different games on the market: EA's NCAA March Madness and 2K Sports' College Hoops 2K series. But things have changed a lot since 2009. 2K Sports hasn't made a collegiate game since 2007, but it is the best at making professional basketball games with NBA 2K. This could mean that EA Sports will have much of the NCAA basketball simulation market to itself at first.

I think this new game could be something really great. EA Sports has made a proposal to the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) that includes a six-year contract with at least three games and roster upgrades as downloadable content between full releases. Many gamers have asked for this type of release approach, which gives creators more time to come up with new ideas and improve each game. It might make the experience deeper and more refined than the yearly churn that happens in most sports games. I hope this implies a concentration on strong career modes, online dynasties, and a campus atmosphere that really pulls you in, like what fans expect in the new college football games.

What about the other businesses?

Could 2K Games also make college basketball games?

EA Sports owns the main license for a standalone simulation game, but 2K Games has also hinted at its own ambitions for college basketball. After EA's statement, the official NBA 2K account tweeted, "The campus has been quiet for too long," and a 2K spokeswoman said they are "looking into exciting new ways to bring athletes and schools to life." This could mean that a rivalry is starting to form, which hasn't happened in the collegiate sports video game market in more over fifteen years.

EA's offer, on the other hand, is said to include a "exclusive license" for "action simulation" rights. This might stop 2K from making a direct competitor. Instead of making a separate game, 2K can include college basketball as a mode to its existing NBA 2K series. No matter what happens, it's great for fans that both big publishers are interested in college basketball. It implies more choices and more focus on a genre that hasn't been popular in a long time.

I've been looking forward to the reintroduction of collegiate basketball video games for a long time. I really think that EA Sports College Basketball will change the genre for the better because it has women's teams, a longer development cycle, and a lot of excitement around college sports. I can't wait to see what happens in 2028.

Questions and Answers

When will the next EA Sports college basketball game come out?

The first new EA Sports college basketball game is set to come out in 2028.

Will there be women's collegiate basketball teams in the new game?

Yes, EA Sports aims to add all 730 Division I men's and women's collegiate basketball teams, but only if they choose to.

Why did they stop making college basketball video games in the first place?

Like college football games, college basketball games were stopped mostly because of legal problems with using college athletes' names, pictures, and likenesses without paying them.

Will gamers get paid for their likeness in the new game?

Yes, EA Sports is said to be planning to pay players who agree to let their likeness be used in the game.

Does 2K Games also want to make a college basketball game?

2K Games has said they would look into making a college basketball game, but it's not clear if it will be a separate game or part of their NBA 2K series.