The world of college basketball gaming is gearing up for a major revival. In a surprising turn of events, EA Sports has officially stepped back from developing its long-awaited college basketball video game, while 2K Games confirmed that its own version is already in the works, targeting a 2027 release.
The announcement came on September 4, 2025, just hours after the release of NBA 2K26, catching fans off guard but fueling massive excitement. According to 2K’s statement, the new game will feature over 100 college programs, covering both powerhouse schools and underdog Cinderella stories, promising a broad and immersive college basketball experience.
EA’s Withdrawal Leaves Fans Shocked
For months, buzz around a possible EA college basketball game had been steadily growing. Earlier this summer, EA Sports announced plans to bring back the franchise that was last seen in NCAA Basketball 10 back in 2009. Fans immediately saw it as a nostalgic comeback that would finally restore a beloved series.
However, new reports suggest that multiple schools ultimately opted to partner with 2K Games instead. This shift forced EA to rescind its development plans, leaving the stage open for 2K to dominate the college basketball gaming market.
While EA remains a giant in sports gaming with successful franchises like Madden NFL and FIFA (now EA Sports FC), this withdrawal highlights how competitive licensing and exclusive partnerships can completely alter the gaming landscape.
2K Steps Into the Spotlight
This isn’t the first time 2K has dipped its toes into the college basketball scene. The company last released College Hoops 2K8 in 2007, a title that still carries a cult following. Copies of that game and EA’s final release, NCAA Basketball 10, are now selling on eBay for as much as $100, showing just how hungry fans have been for a revival.
2K Games made clear in its announcement that the upcoming project isn’t just another spin-off. Instead, it aims to deliver the same quality and authenticity that NBA 2K has consistently brought to professional basketball gaming. The company also teased that surprises connected to the project will be unveiled in early 2026, sparking even more anticipation.
What This Means for Gamers
With EA stepping aside, all eyes are on 2K to fulfill the expectations of millions of college basketball fans. The inclusion of more than 100 teams suggests deep gameplay variety, potentially spanning multiple conferences and tournaments. The rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights for college athletes also opens new doors for realistic rosters and licensed players, something older games could never fully achieve.
For fans who have waited nearly two decades for a modern college basketball gaming experience, the next two years will be a countdown filled with speculation, feature wish lists, and intense comparisons between what EA might have done versus what 2K will deliver.
The Bigger Picture for EA
Though EA has withdrawn from this particular project, it still maintains dominance in other areas of sports gaming. The company’s decision not to pursue a college basketball game might free up resources to double down on Madden and EA Sports FC, both of which remain billion-dollar franchises.
Yet, there’s no denying the disappointment among fans who were ready to embrace EA’s return to college hoops. The absence of an EA product in this space now means that 2K has an open runway to re-establish its presence and possibly build a new long-term legacy in college basketball gaming.
The rivalry between EA and 2K has shaped sports gaming for years, but this latest twist shows how quickly the landscape can change. With EA stepping back and 2K surging ahead, the future of college basketball video games seems brighter than ever.
As 2027 approaches, fans can expect sneak peeks, gameplay reveals, and roster details that will set the tone for one of the most anticipated sports game releases in years. Whether you’re an old-school gamer who played College Hoops 2K8 or a new fan eager to experience the thrill of March Madness digitally, the next few years promise plenty of excitement.
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