EA Sports Plans College Basketball Return With NIL Deals 2028

EA Sports is officially reviving its college basketball video game franchise, marking the first release since NCAA Basketball 10 in 2009, with a projected launch in 2028. The new game will include both men’s and women’s college basketball teams, with EA aiming to feature all 730 Division-I programs, allowing players to manage endorsements and player reputations through NIL deals, adding depth to recruiting and team management. This return follows the success of College Football 25, which revitalized EA's college sports gaming after an 11-year hiatus, and has raised hopes that the basketball title will rival the dominant NBA 2K series by capitalizing on modern console capabilities and features like career modes. EA’s renewed entry into college basketball gaming is made possible by changes in NCAA policies allowing athlete likeness use and NIL endorsements, resolving past legal hurdles. Fans and critics alike are optimistic that EA will leverage its experience from the football revival and lessons learned from NBA 2K to deliver a compelling and immersive college basketball experience. While detailed features and exact teams have yet to be announced, the gaming community eagerly anticipates how EA Sports will bring the excitement and atmosphere of college basketball, including iconic elements like March Madness, back to video game platforms.