College basketball is officially returning to video games, sort of.
Fans were thrilled when EA Sports teased the revival of its NCAA basketball franchise. But when 2K threw its hat in the ring, schools shifted direction, negotiations changed, and EA’s proposal was eventually shelved.
That led to the big reveal: 2K will include college basketball as an “add-on experience” inside NBA 2K26, not a stand-alone title… yet.
But the good news? Kentucky made the initial cut to get into NBA2k26, though a date for the initial college experience (fewer teams) release has not been revealed, 2K did say there would be early surprises as DLC in 2026.
The 2K truck visited campus this week to scan both the men’s and women’s teams. After securing more licenses, 2K plans to add around 100 college basketball programs, though that full experience likely won't come until at least 2027, according to initial reports.
NBA2K (@NBA2K) is on Kentucky's campus!
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) November 5, 2025
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.
It will be the first basketball game Kentucky has appeared in since 2009. pic.twitter.com/pLIDQ7zhVP
Big questions remain
There are still big questions of course, as with any gaming company 2K brings positives and some negatives too:
- Will 2K keep their heavy VC model? It really isn't fun grinding out hours and hours to just be decent, but spending real money isn't that fun either.
- Will the gameplay feel like NBA 2K with college jerseys slapped on? Remember the distinct feel of Madden and College Football made the games feel and play different.
- Will dynasty mode resemble EA’s beloved format or NBA 2K’s simulation-heavy franchise? Recruiting and building your school is still the best things in college sports games, and how 2K handles that will be key.
What we do know today is simple:
You will be able to run the floor with Trent Noah and the Wildcats in NBA 2K26 at some point. Details, modes, and release windows are still being finalized. College hoops gaming is officially back, even if it’s not fully back yet.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion