NBA 2K26 Adds College Basketball, Ends EA Sports’ Plans | NCAA 2K Update
- The landscape of college basketball video games has undergone a significant shift, with NBA 2K stepping in to fill a void left by EA Sports.
- The move comes after EA Sports was forced to abandon its development of a dedicated college basketball game following decisions by several schools to partner with 2K Sports...
- The initial update will integrate college elements into the popular ‘myTEAM’ and ‘myCAREER’ modes within NBA 2K26.
The landscape of college basketball video games has undergone a significant shift, with NBA 2K stepping in to fill a void left by EA Sports. A new update to , 2026’s NBA 2K26 will introduce officially licensed college content, featuring players and teams from 16 universities, effectively ending EA’s immediate plans for a standalone college basketball simulation.
The move comes after EA Sports was forced to abandon its development of a dedicated college basketball game following decisions by several schools to partner with 2K Sports for inclusion in the NBA 2K series. According to a memo from EA Sports vice president of commercial partnerships and licensing Sean O’Brien, the decision was made because “some schools choosing to accept the 2K Sports proposal for inclusion in NBA 2K” made a standalone title untenable.
The initial update will integrate college elements into the popular ‘myTEAM’ and ‘myCAREER’ modes within NBA 2K26. Players will have access to authentic rosters featuring over 40 active college players, along with university uniforms, mascots, and other intellectual property. The 16 schools included in this first phase are Arizona, Baylor, Duke, Florida, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas, UCLA, and UConn, with representation from both their men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Duke star Cameron Boozer and UCLA star Lauren Betts were highlighted in the initial announcement, signaling the game’s commitment to showcasing top collegiate talent. The inclusion of these players, and the others listed, represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between college and professional basketball within the gaming world.
However, this initial offering is presented as the first stage of a larger, multi-stage initiative. 2K Games has outlined plans to deliver a “full college basketball experience” by early . While specific details remain scarce, the ambition suggests a potential for a dedicated season mode allowing players to navigate the complexities of college basketball, including conference play and the NCAA tournament.
The return of college basketball to video games marks the end of a long hiatus. Both EA Sports and 2K Sports previously cancelled their respective college basketball series in the late 2000s, primarily due to licensing challenges. These challenges ultimately contributed to the downfall of EA’s popular college football franchise as well.
The landscape began to shift in with changes to name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations. These changes paved the way for the successful revival of EA Sports College Football in . The commercial success and established licensing framework of that game prompted the College Licensing Company (CLC) to issue a request for proposals for a college basketball game last June, attracting bids from both EA Sports and 2K Sports.
The CLC ultimately recommended that its schools accept EA’s offer to create a comprehensive college basketball game encompassing all men’s and women’s Division I teams. However, 2K’s bid focused on a more incremental approach, proposing an add-on mode for NBA 2K featuring a select group of schools, with a potential evaluation for a standalone game based on its financial viability.
The decision by numerous programs to accept 2K’s proposal for inclusion in NBA 2K effectively derailed EA’s plans. The latest update to NBA 2K26 solidifies 2K’s position as the primary provider of college basketball gaming experiences, at least for the foreseeable future.
The timing of this announcement coincides with the upcoming March Madness tournaments, adding another layer of excitement for fans. The ability to play with and as the stars of college basketball within NBA 2K26 will undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience for many, offering a virtual extension of the real-world tournament action. While a full-fledged college basketball game remains a goal for 2K, the current update provides a compelling and immediate offering for fans eager to experience the excitement of collegiate hoops in a new digital format.