2K Teases Groundbreaking College Basketball Game—Is a Revolution Coming to the Court?

Just when it seemed like college basketball fans might be left in the lurch with EA Sports stepping away from its much-anticipated video game project, 2K Games has boldly stepped up to the plate. On September 4th, 2K unveiled plans for a fresh “college basketball experience,” boasting a lineup featuring over 100 teams and hints at exciting developments rolling out as early as 2026 — with even bigger ambitions set for 2027 and beyond. Their statement underscored a commitment to quality and competition that benefits not only the players but the schools and athletes themselves. The twist? This move effectively puts 2K in the driver’s seat for the return of college hoops to the virtual world, stepping in as EA Sports pulls back amid shifting school affiliations and strategic recalibrations. If you’ve been following the twists and turns of this saga, you’ll know that the scope of 2K’s project might differ from EA’s original vision — with rumors suggesting selective team inclusions and integration into the NBA 2K franchise via special tournaments. For those who’ve been eagerly awaiting college ball’s digital resurgence, this announcement rings with promise and a fair share of intrigue. LEARN MORE

The same day EA Sports reportedly pulled the plug on a college basketball video game, 2K announced it will be the one bringing college hoops to the virtual world.

2K Games announced Thursday, Sept. 4 it is working on a “college basketball experience” that will feature more than 100 teams. It added it has “big plans for 2027 and beyond,” but some surprises could be coming in early 2026.

“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,” 2K said in a statement. “We’ve proven the quality of the basketball experience we can deliver for years, and have every intention to bring that same level of quality to college hoops.”

The announcement confirms 2K Games will be leading the return of college basketball video games after EA Sports’ plans fell through. EA Sports teased in June the development of a college basketball game and company executives told USA TODAY Sports in July it was “in the process of trying to figure out how that could come together.”

However, Matt Brown of Extra Points reported the morning of Sept. 4 that EA Sports pulled its offer to include schools in a game, citing the decision was made because schools were accepting 2K Sports’ offer instead. 2K also appeared to want to get in the business when EA Sports made its teaser.

While 2K revealed its plan, it is unknown whether it is making a college basketball-specific video game. According to Extra Points, 2K’s initial plan was for colleges to be included in NBA 2K. Not every Division I men’s and women’s team would be included, and schools would be available in 5-on-5 tournaments in the MyTeam Mode via downloadable content.

2K’s announcement seemingly proved not all 730 Division I men’s and women’s teams would be included, which was part of EA Sports’ plan.

Known for the NBA 2K series, 2K last made a college basketball video game in 2007 with College Hoops 2K8.