For over a decade, fans have begged for a true return of college basketball video games. EA Sports teased it, rumors popped up every year, but nothing ever materialized. Until now. In a surprise move that’s sending shockwaves through the sports gaming world, 2K Sports has officially announced that college basketball will debut as a brand-new experience inside NBA 2K26 — and yes, Kentucky is one of the first programs included.
That means the Wildcats are officially back in a basketball video game for the first time since EA Sports’ NCAA Basketball 10 hit shelves in 2009 — nearly 16 years ago.
Kentucky Is Officially in NBA 2K26
Earlier this week, the NBA 2K production crew rolled onto Kentucky’s campus, setting up scanners and equipment to capture detailed 3D models of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The full roster — from returning stars like Trent Noah and Otega Oweh to promising newcomers — was scanned into the system, locking in one of the most iconic programs in college hoops history for its long-awaited gaming comeback.
Photos and videos of the 2K crew quickly spread online after Wildcats insider Tristan Pharis posted:
> “The players from the men’s and women’s teams are being scanned into the game today, as college teams will be added next year,” Pharis reported on X (formerly Twitter).
It’s a historic moment for the program. Kentucky basketball has been absent from video games for more than a decade, and now, they’ll be one of the headline teams featured when 2K’s new college hoops mode launches.
How College Basketball Fits Into 2K26
Unlike previous college basketball titles that stood alone — such as EA’s NCAA Basketball and March Madness series — 2K is taking a different route.
Rather than releasing a separate college basketball game, 2K will launch the college experience as an “add-on” within NBA 2K26. Players will be able to switch from NBA teams to select college programs, use real rosters, and experience an entirely new environment built around the college game.
Initially, the feature will release as part of early downloadable content (DLC) in 2026, focusing on a smaller selection of powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina. But according to reports, 2K plans to expand the list to over 100 teams by 2027, with new modes, arenas, and gameplay mechanics rolling out gradually.
The move is being described as a “test launch” — an effort to gauge fan demand before deciding whether to create a fully standalone College Hoops 2K title in the future.
The Big Questions Fans Are Asking
As exciting as this announcement is, longtime 2K players know that not everything about the franchise has been perfect — and fans are already raising some major questions.
1. Will 2K keep its heavy VC (Virtual Currency) model?
One of the biggest gripes about the NBA 2K series has been its reliance on microtransactions. Players often spend hours grinding or pay real money to improve their attributes. Many fans worry that 2K will apply the same system to the college experience, which could take away from the authentic feel of building a program naturally.
2. Will the gameplay truly feel like college basketball?
College basketball is defined by energy, tempo, and team chemistry — not just one-on-one isolation plays. Fans want to see authentic college-style sets, motion offenses, and intense defensive pressure, not just NBA mechanics with college jerseys thrown on top.
3. What will “Dynasty Mode” look like?
Perhaps the biggest question of all. EA Sports’ “Dynasty Mode” was legendary — recruiting high school stars, managing scholarships, and building a legacy over multiple seasons. 2K’s career modes are known for cinematic storytelling, but fans are wondering if that will translate into a deep, strategic college experience.
These unanswered questions are part of what makes the reveal so intriguing — and a little nerve-wracking.
What This Means for Kentucky Fans
For Big Blue Nation, the announcement hits differently. Kentucky has always been at the center of college basketball culture, and seeing the Wildcats finally return to video game form feels like reclaiming a piece of history.
Imagine stepping onto the virtual court at Rupp Arena, with the crowd roaring, the band playing, and the “Go Big Blue” chants echoing as you take control of Trent Noah, Jayden Quaintance, or Otega Oweh — all with real player likenesses, uniforms, and animations.
It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a new era of connection between college programs and their fans.
What’s Next
2K hasn’t revealed the exact release window for the college basketball feature, but insiders expect it to launch sometime in mid-to-late 2026 as downloadable content for NBA 2K26. More schools will be added over time as licensing deals are finalized, with Kentucky positioned as one of the showcase teams.
If fan demand is strong — and it almost certainly will be — 2K could spin this mode into a full-fledged College Hoops 2K27 game.
Until then, one thing’s clear: college basketball gaming is back, even if it’s not all the way back yet.
And when it finally tips off, you’ll be running the floor with Trent Noah and the Wildcats — and Big Blue Nation will be louder than ever.
