EA Sports fans hoping for a quick return of college basketball will need patience. The publisher confirms they’re still “figuring out” how to bring back the beloved franchise after a 16-year hiatus.
Development Timeline & Key Details
| Aspect | Current Status | Target Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Development Stage | Early planning phase | 2028-2029 season launch |
| Team Coverage | All D1 men’s & women’s teams | “Daunting task” per EA |
| Last EA Release | NCAA Basketball 10 (2009) | 16-year gap |
| Competition | 2K Sports also planning return | Both in early development |
EA’s Cautious Approach After Football Success
EA Sports executive Sean O’Brien told USA Today that EA is “up for the challenge” but admits they’re still in the “process of trying to figure out how that could come together.”
The company’s measured approach stems from college football’s massive success. EA College Football 25 generated over $1 billion and became 2024’s second best-selling game in the US.
Development Challenges:
- Including every Division I basketball program
- Managing player likeness rights
- Building comprehensive women’s basketball coverage
- Competing with 2K Sports’ planned revival
Learning From Football’s Three-Year Journey
EA’s college football revival offers a blueprint for basketball’s return. After first teasing the project in 2021, the game launched in July 2024 to massive acclaim.
This three-year development cycle suggests college basketball fans shouldn’t expect anything before 2027-2028, aligning with Matt Brown’s reporting of a potential 2028-2029 launch window.
2K Sports Also Planning Comeback
The competition is heating up as 2K Sports reportedly plans its own college basketball revival. Their last entry, College Hoops 2K8, arrived in 2007.
Both publishers face similar challenges in securing rights and building comprehensive college basketball experiences after decades away from the sport.
For more sports gaming coverage, check our EA Sports analysis and 2K Sports updates.
FAQs
When will EA’s new college basketball game release?
Unofficial reports suggest 2028-2029 season, but EA hasn’t confirmed any timeline.
Will the game include women’s basketball teams?
Yes, EA plans to include all Division I men’s and women’s basketball programs.
