EA Sports, it’s in the game. EA Sports is teasing bringing back beloved college basketball game. It’s been 15 years since sports fans got to enjoy the game. The company confirmed with a June 30. On social media they posted: “Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back.” EA Sports won the bid to develop a new college basketball game. The game comes after the massive success of College Football 25. CFB 25 is the best-selling sports video game in U.S. history.
The overwhelming response to the football game signaled a clear demand for collegiate sports in the gaming industry. College sports fans have raged over college sports games being discontinued as a fight over naming rights and payouts forced EA Sports hand. So fueling college sports returns is Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy. It finally allowed players to accept.
Details are limited but we know a few things will mirror College Football 25:
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Title: Likely EA Sports College Basketball
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Release: Targeted for 2028
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Gameplay Features:
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Realistic college arenas, crowds, and team traditions
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A full-fledged March Madness tournament mode
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Creation and management tools for building programs
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Inclusion of both men’s and women’s teams, made possible through NIL
- Story mode of being in high school and getting recruited to college.
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Development Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2009 | NCAA Basketball 10 released |
| 2010 | Series officially discontinued |
| 2024 | College Football 25 relaunched |
| Nov. 2024 | CLC issues RFP for college basketball game |
| June 26, 2025 | EA Sports wins development bid |
| June 30, 2025 | EA teases revival via social media |
| 2028 | New college basketball game expected to launch |
The expected inclusion of both men’s and women’s basketball teams reflects growing efforts to increase representation and equity in sports gaming.
