Just when Kentucky fans were buzzing about the upcoming release of College Football 26, EA Sports stunned gamers with a huge announcement: college basketball is coming back. For the first time since NCAA Basketball 10 hit shelves in 2009, a new installment was officially in the works — set to arrive in 2028.
“Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back,” EA teased in its hype video.
Sure, 2028 felt like a long wait, but Big Blue Nation was ready to be patient. After all, by then, Mark Pope might already be holding up multiple championship trophies. Seeing it play out virtually would just make it even sweeter.
But then came the bad news.
According to a report from Ben Portnoy of Sports Business Journal, even that 2028 timeline may not hold up — all because of a battle between EA Sports and 2K.
EA Wants It All. 2K Wants a Slice.
EA Sports’ plan is clear: deliver a full, all-inclusive experience with every Division I men’s and women’s basketball program, NIL deals for players, 32 conferences, and the full pageantry of March Madness. Basically, the same approach they’ve taken with College Football 25.
“We want a game that includes all 350-plus NCAA schools… something that truly delivers for fans of the sport,” EA Sports VP Sean O’Brien told SBJ.
2K, though, is pushing for something different. Instead of a giant all-schools release, they’re targeting only the top brands. Their idea looks more like an extension of the NBA 2K franchise, bringing in a handful of powerhouse programs to blend into their already massive basketball platform.
“We’ve entered into non-exclusive partnerships with multiple elite colleges, including UCLA, with more to come,” a 2K spokesperson confirmed. “NBA 2K has always represented basketball culture, and now we want to do the same for the college game.”
Where Does the NCAA Stand?
The NCAA itself isn’t thrilled about a limited-school release. The governing body has said its preference is still for a “comprehensive licensing agreement” that benefits every men’s and women’s athlete across Division I. But with EA and 2K pulling in opposite directions, the NCAA may be forced to wait things out.
Even worse, Portnoy’s report suggests that if EA can’t secure the exclusive rights they want, they may pull out of the project altogether — which would kill hopes of a full March Madness video game entirely.
What This Means for Kentucky
If you’re looking for a silver lining, Kentucky is safe no matter what. Whether it’s EA’s inclusive version or 2K’s elite-only approach, the Wildcats are a lock to be featured. Fans would still get to control Pope’s squad, run plays with Otega Oweh, and chase titles virtually.
But let’s be real: it won’t be the same without the Cinderella stories, buzzer-beaters from mid-majors, and the chaos of a true 68-team bracket.
For now, Kentucky fans — and college basketball gamers everywhere — are stuck waiting. EA and 2K need to figure this out. Until then, the dream of cutting down the virtual nets in Rupp Arena remains on hold.
