Today has been a surprisingly exciting day for basketball fans. And no, we’re not talking about the tidal wave of NBA free-agency news currently flooding the internet and X (formerly Twitter).

Electronic Arts has officially announced its return to college basketball gaming with a new title slated for a future release. Right on the heels of that announcement, rival 2K issued its own subtle counterstatement.

It’s worth noting that both EA Sports and 2K boast long-standing college basketball video game franchises, yet both have been dormant for over a decade. For those too young to remember, EA Sports’ last college basketball offering was NCAA Basketball 10, released in 2009. Meanwhile, 2K’s final collegiate hoops title was College Hoops 2K8, which dropped in 2007. That’s an 18-year hiatus! Now, it appears both popular franchises might be making a comeback — and hopefully, sooner rather than later.

The official NBA 2K account on X was recently tagged by a user who simply stated, “2K should be making the college basketball game.” Within hours, 2K’s account replied, “The campus has been quiet for too long,” instantly igniting speculation about another college basketball game from the creators of NBA 2K to directly challenge EA’s upcoming title.

The campus has been quiet for too long 😏 https://t.co/AuqoX5u5Qr

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) June 30, 2025

Another college basketball game from the creators of NBA 2K?

EA’s announcement regarding college basketball was far less subtle. The company’s post boldly declared, “Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back,” accompanied by the hashtag #CBB, likely a reference to college basketball. This follows a similar rebranding strategy for EA’s collegiate football game, which was previously NCAA Football before its successful resurgence last year as EA SPORTS College Football. The latest iteration, EA SPORTS College Football 26, is set to launch on July 10 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles.

Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back. #CBB #ItsInTheGame pic.twitter.com/iBNhGxn2yj

— EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS) June 30, 2025

EA’s official announcement

And while EA’s Madden franchise might be struggling, the debut of its collegiate football sim garnered overwhelmingly positive global reception from both players and gaming journalists.

We can only hope EA Sports College Basketball receives the same meticulous attention. Virtual hoopsters — us included — are clamoring for an alternative that doesn’t overwhelm them with the microtransaction-laden onslaught of 2K’s NBA 2K franchise. That probably won’t be the case especially in today’s gaming landscape, but we can always dream, can’t we?

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