Electronic Arts (EA Sports) has ignited excitement among gaming and college basketball fans by confirming the return of its beloved college basketball video game series, with a target release set for 2028. The announcement, made via a social media post on June 30, 2025, featured the caption, “Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back. #CBB #ItsInTheGame,” signaling a revival after a 19-year hiatus since the last title, NCAA Basketball 10, was released in 2009. The decision follows the monumental success of EA Sports College Football 25, which became the best-selling sports video game in history, prompting EA to capitalize on renewed interest in collegiate sports gaming.
The forthcoming game, tentatively titled EA Sports College Basketball, will include both men’s and women’s Division I programs, encompassing approximately 730 teams. This dual-gender integration marks a significant evolution from past iterations, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s basketball, driven by stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. The project stems from a November 2024 request for proposal by the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), which received bids from three companies, with EA Sports’ proposal—promising comprehensive team inclusion and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation for players—securing the recommendation. Schools have until July 18, 2025, to opt into the game, with NIL payments, likely mirroring the $1,500 offered for College Football 26, to be managed through OneTeam Partners.
EA Sports plans to incorporate popular modes from its football title, such as Dynasty Mode, Road to Glory, Team Builder, and Ultimate Team, tailored to capture the intensity of March Madness. The 2028 release accounts for the extensive development time needed to create assets for over 700 teams, including arenas, uniforms, and audio elements, a far larger scope than the 134 FBS teams in College Football 25. The six-year proposal outlines at least three games, with potential roster updates via downloadable patches if a new title isn’t released annually. Royalties for schools will be tied to usage frequency, similar to the football model.
The series’ discontinuation in 2009 was driven by low sales—NCAA Basketball 10 sold just 370,000 units compared to college football’s million—and legal challenges, notably Ed O’Bannon’s lawsuit over unauthorized NIL use, which also halted the football series until 2024. The resolution of NIL issues, enabling player compensation, and the record-breaking $1 billion revenue from College Football 25 have paved the way for this revival. While details on platforms and specific features remain undisclosed, fans are already buzzing about reliving iconic college hoops moments, from buzzer-beaters to national championship runs, with teams like the Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Volunteers.
The announcement has sparked widespread enthusiasm, with social media posts reflecting fans’ anticipation for a game that promises cutting-edge graphics and authentic gameplay. As EA Sports continues to expand its college sports portfolio, following the success of College Football and the upcoming Skate revival, the 2028 launch aims to deliver a long-awaited, immersive college basketball experience.
