2K Sports officially revealed its return to college basketball gaming this week, but the announcement left many fans wanting more. The company’s smaller approach is very different from EA Sports’ big standalone game plan that was pulled in early September after schools picked 2K’s safer option.
What Did 2K Sports Announce for College Basketball Gaming?
2K Sports confirmed its college basketball plans in an official announcement posted on social media this week. The company stated they’re “working on a college basketball experience that will feature more than 100 programs from across the country, from powerhouses to Cinderella stories.”
We’re going back to school. pic.twitter.com/8u1ihv5i3s
— 2K (@2K) September 5, 2025
The announcement promised fans “won’t have to wait long to start seeing your favorite colleges show up in game” with “big plans for 2027 and beyond, and even a few surprises coming in early 2026.”
Defending their approach, 2K emphasized that “competition fuels quality at all levels, which is why our approach with college basketball ensures our partner schools, college athletes and our players all benefit.”
The announcement comes after EA Sports withdrew its competing proposal in early September. EA had planned a full-priced standalone game featuring all 350+ Division I programs with comprehensive NIL integration and 2.5% royalties to schools.
How Are Fans Reacting to 2K’s Limited College Basketball Plans?
The news created a lot of chatter on social media, with many fans showing disappointment over the small starting roster compared to EA’s plan to include every team.
One disappointed user wrote: “Damn I’m no longer hype at all. I wanted a stand alone game.”
Damn I’m no longer hype at all. I wanted a stand alone game
— Bucks After Dark (@BucksAfterDark) September 5, 2025
Another passionate fan demanded: “Want all D1 schools and full legacy mode with in-depth recruiting and full presentation. See #CollegeHoops2k8.”
Want all D1 schools and full legacy mode with in-depth recruiting and full presentation. See #CollegeHoops2k8
— Caleb Buchinger (@CalebBuchinger) September 5, 2025
A user blasted the scope: “Axing more than half the D1 programs and not having this as a standalone game is deeply unserious. Bring back the gold standard.”
Axing more than half the D1 programs and not having this as a standalone game is deeply unserious.
Bring back the gold standard. pic.twitter.com/WLxkQFGrNJ
— Made For March (@madeformarch) September 5, 2025
One determined fan started: “Petition for all teams to be added.”
Petition for all teams to be added
— CFB Tracker (@MatchupTracker) September 5, 2025
A hopeful user suggested: “Please take advice from EA and make it with more love than your pro game.”
Please take advice from EA and make it with more love than your pro game
— SleeperHawks (@SleeperHawks) September 5, 2025
Many fans still remember 2K’s old College Hoops games fondly. College Hoops 2K8 had over 328 Division I teams with real presentation features that many fans still think is the best college basketball game ever made.
2K’s win in the licensing fight comes with the tough job of meeting high fan hopes that formed when EA briefly tried to enter the market. This approach might be smart money-wise, but it leaves dedicated college basketball fans waiting longer for the complete experience they’ve wanted since 2008.
