The return of NCAA Football 25 has taken the sports gaming world by storm, becoming the highest-selling sports game of all time in the U.S. market. Surpassing the record previously held by NBA 2K21, the game has captured the hearts of nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. This landmark success has reignited conversations about bringing back another fan-favorite franchise: NCAA Basketball.
NCAA Basketball hasn't graced consoles since NCAA Basketball 10, which featured Blake Griffin on the cover during his breakout college career at Oklahoma. The franchise's hiatus left a void in sports gaming, particularly for college hoops fans who cherished the thrill of leading their favorite teams to glory in iconic arenas; or taking over a small school and leading them to glory. With the NCAA's ownership of March Madness and its associated branding, reintroducing the series would require intricate negotiations or the development of a new championship format.
So, why has NCAA Football 25 been such a massive success? First, its immersive dynasty mode lets players recruit, build, and coach their way to championship glory, offering an unmatched level of customization. Turns out people really like to take over a school and do all the recruiting. Second, the use of real college teams, stadiums, and traditions struck a nostalgic chord, bringing fans back to Saturday afternoons filled with marching bands and thrilling rivalries. With next-gen graphics and gameplay enhancements, NCAA Football 25 feels like a celebration of college sports as much as it is a game.
This success has gaming fans asking a burning question: What would it feel like to take over a program like Kentucky basketball in a new NCAA Basketball game? Imagine guiding the Wildcats, a program steeped in history, through intense SEC battles, recruiting future stars, and chasing national championships at Rupp Arena. With the ability to craft a dynasty, fans could relive or rewrite history, bringing Kentucky back to the pinnacle of college basketball.
While there’s no official word on NCAA Basketball’s return, the buzz around NCAA Football 25 shows the appetite for college sports gaming is as strong as ever. Whether it’s March Madness or a fictional championship, fans are ready to pick up the controller and lead their teams to glory. There are rumors of negotiations between EA and 2k to develop a college basketball game. Hopefully they lead to a new game.