EA Sports is “going to bring back” the college basketball game after “almost two decades away.” The company announced the news today in a social media post. The target date for a “return is 2028, with both men’s and women’s teams in the game.” The CLC, which handles branding licenses for the vast majority of schools, put out its “Request For Proposal to game developers in November 2024” following the success of College Football 25. EA Sports was the “only one to confirm it would include all Division I men’s and women’s teams that opted in,” which would total 730 teams, as well as “NIL money for players on each team in a standalone simulation game.” Schools have until July 18 to “approve being in the game.” The plan would be “similar to football,” running NIL through OneTeam Partners. The six-year proposal includes at least three games, beginning in 2028 (THE ATHLETIC, 6/30).
EA Sports announces college basketball game
