EA Sports ended college basketball video gaming’s 16-year hiatus with a surprise announcement on June 30.
The gaming giant confirmed it will revive its dormant franchise, sparking immediate debate among fans who question whether EA can match the basketball expertise of rival developer 2K Sports. The announcement comes as EA rides high on the success of its recently relaunched college football series.
EA Sports Wins Exclusive Rights, Announces New College Basketball Video Game
EA Sports emerged victorious from a competitive bidding process initiated by the College Licensing Company in November 2024. The company celebrated its win on X, formerly Twitter, with a simple message: “Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back.”
Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back. #CBB #ItsInTheGame pic.twitter.com/iBNhGxn2yj
— EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS) June 30, 2025
According to internal CLC documents, five companies initially expressed interest in creating a new college basketball game. Three companies ultimately submitted formal bids for the exclusive rights. The CLC recommended conferences accept EA’s proposal, which targets a 2028 release for the first game.
The decision caught many industry observers off guard. Take-Two Interactive’s 2K Sports dominates the basketball gaming market with its NBA 2K franchise, which consistently outsold EA’s previous basketball offerings. The last time EA attempted a basketball simulation, NBA Live, the series struggled to compete and was eventually discontinued.
However, EA held a crucial advantage in the bidding process. The company’s existing college sports infrastructure, built through the successful relaunch of College Football 25, gave it an edge over competitors.
EA has already navigated the complex world of name, image, and likeness agreements with more than 11,000 student-athletes. This experience, combined with established relationships with universities and conferences, proved decisive in securing the exclusive license.
Fans Express Skepticism About EA’s Basketball Capabilities
The announcement triggered an immediate backlash on social media, where basketball gaming enthusiasts voiced their preference for 2K’s proven track record. Many fans recalled the quality differences between the competing franchises’ last college offerings: EA’s NCAA Basketball 10 and 2K’s College Hoops 2K8.
One user’s blunt reaction captured the prevailing sentiment.
Please let 2k do it
— Soul⚫️🦅𓅓 (@NoHearttNoSoul) June 30, 2025
Others expressed disappointment about missed opportunities for innovation. One fan envisioned how 2K could have integrated college basketball with its existing NBA franchise.
I mean not gonna lie….. Was hoping @NBA2K /@2K would do this. Imagine that integration for My Player.
— Chris Hammond (@Chris_P_Hammond) June 30, 2025
Some fans questioned whether younger gamers even remembered EA’s previous basketball efforts, noting that the last release was over 15 years ago.
Did ppl forget how bad ea basketball games are lmao let 2k have this one 🤷🏾♂️
— Lasers Sports 🟢 (@LasersSports) June 30, 2025
While criticism dominated the initial reaction, some gaming enthusiasts suggested creative compromises between the competing developers. These proposals reflected both the community’s desire for quality basketball gameplay and recognition of EA’s strength in college sports presentation.
One user outlined an ambitious cross-platform integration.
Listen this would be perfect. Let us play basketball in high school then join whatever college team. Do the exact same like NCAAF almost. Partner with @NBA2K and let us get drafted to the NBA. 2K can have the option to import that player or you can do their high school career etc
— More Muscle 💪🏽 (@PJ_More_Muscle) June 30, 2025
Veterans of the college basketball gaming community provided historical context for newcomers, explaining how exclusive licensing deals shaped the current landscape. One commenter referenced the beloved College Hoops 2K8, which many consider the pinnacle of college basketball gaming.
NCAA basketball 29 won’t have the depth of College Hoops 2k8 sadly. 2028 is when it will come out but EA can’t make basketball games to save their life, especially not college ones. The reason 2k stopped making college basketball games before is EA bought exclusive NCAA licensing
— James (@NC_State69420) June 30, 2025
The social media response reveals a clear preference within the gaming community. Basketball enthusiasts overwhelmingly favor 2K’s simulation expertise over EA’s college sports licensing advantages. This skepticism presents a significant challenge for EA as it prepares to develop its first basketball game in years.
With a 2028 release date still three years away, EA has time to address these concerns. The company’s success with College Football 25 demonstrates its ability to revive dormant franchises. Whether that success can translate to the hardwood remains an open question that will define the future of college basketball gaming.
