While NBA 2K26 is set to launch this week, 2K Sports has unveiled another significant development: its highly anticipated return to the college basketball gaming scene. This announcement comes amidst reports suggesting potential complications for EA`s competing college basketball title, intensifying the rivalry between the two sports gaming giants.
In an official statement, 2K Sports confirmed, “Yes, it`s true. We`re working on a college basketball experience that will feature more than 100 programs from across the country, encompassing both powerhouse teams and compelling underdog stories.” This commitment promises a broad representation of collegiate basketball.
Without diving into specifics regarding gameplay or features, 2K emphasized that its approach is designed to ensure mutual benefit for all parties involved: “Our approach with college basketball ensures our partner schools, college athletes, and our players all benefit.” This suggests a focus on equitable partnerships and a rich player experience.
Regarding a release timeline, 2K assured fans they “won`t have to wait long to start seeing your favorite colleges show up in game.” The developer also teased “big plans for 2027 and beyond,” alongside “a few surprises coming in early 2026,” building anticipation for future content and unexpected reveals.
Reiterating their dedication to quality, 2K stated, “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 company concluded its message with its well-known motto: “Ball over everything.”
This isn`t 2K`s first foray into college basketball. Their previous franchise, College Hoops, saw its last installment, College Hoops 2K8, in 2007. Similarly, EA`s NCAA Basketball series concluded with NCAA Basketball 10 in 2009, marking a long hiatus for both publishers in the genre.
Intriguingly, when EA initially announced its own college basketball revival earlier, 2K also confirmed their parallel project. However, a recent internal memo from an EA executive reportedly indicates that EA`s college basketball game might be facing challenges, with several prominent schools reportedly opting to partner with 2K instead, potentially giving 2K a significant lead in the market.
Basketball games represent a substantial business for 2K, with its flagship NBA 2K series having sold over 162 million units worldwide to date. This success provides a strong foundation for their return to the collegiate hardwood, bringing their proven expertise to a beloved sports niche.
While EA`s college basketball efforts appear uncertain, the company has achieved remarkable success with its recently relaunched College Football series. The 2024 iteration, College Football 25, generated over $1 billion in revenue, and College Football 26 is already among the top-selling games of 2025 in the US, demonstrating the strong market for collegiate sports titles.