EA Sports set to revive college basketball video game franchise with 2028 release target
Since the end of EA Sports and 2K's college basketball series over a decade ago—primarily due to licensing complications and weak sales—fans have repeatedly asked when the genre would return. Even as EA confirmed the revival of College Football, industry insiders believed there was little momentum behind a basketball revival.
However, that market hesitation has now shifted.
The explosive commercial success of EA Sports College Football 25 exceeded revenue projections and appears to have reignited interest among developers. A memo dated June 26, 2025, from the College Licensing Company (CLC) to NCAA conference offices confirms that an official Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a college basketball title was issued in November 2024.
According to the memo, five companies expressed interest, with three submitting formal bids. The CLC recommends that member conferences accept the proposal from EA Sports to revive EA Sports College Basketball, with a targeted release in 2028.
While licensing agreements are still being finalized, the selection of EA Sports as the preferred developer signals real progress toward the game's return. The company is expected to start full development soon, pending final approvals from conferences and schools.
More details are expected as development progresses and licensing terms are secured.
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EA Sports set to revive college basketball video game franchise with 2028 release target
EA Sports is officially preparing to bring back its college basketball video game franchise, with a planned release date set for 2028, according to a memo obtained by Extra Points. Since the end of EA Sports and 2K's college basketball series over a decade ago—primarily due to licensing complications and weak sales—fans have repeatedly asked when the genre would return. Even as EA confirmed the revival of College Football, industry insiders believed there was little momentum behind a basketball revival. However, that market hesitation has now shifted. The explosive commercial success of EA Sports College Football 25 exceeded revenue projections and appears to have reignited interest among developers. A memo dated June 26, 2025, from the College Licensing Company (CLC) to NCAA conference offices confirms that an official Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a college basketball title was issued in November 2024. According to the memo, five companies expressed interest, with three submitting formal bids. The CLC recommends that member conferences accept the proposal from EA Sports to revive EA Sports College Basketball, with a targeted release in 2028. While licensing agreements are still being finalized, the selection of EA Sports as the preferred developer signals real progress toward the game's return. The company is expected to start full development soon, pending final approvals from conferences and schools. More details are expected as development progresses and licensing terms are secured.
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