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.