After more than a decade and a half of silence, college basketball fans finally have reason to celebrate — March Madness is officially returning to video game consoles. EA Sports, the powerhouse behind iconic sports titles like Madden NFL and FIFA, has confirmed that it is developing a new college basketball game, marking the franchise’s first comeback since NCAA Basketball 10 was released way back in 2009.
For years, the absence of a licensed college basketball video game has felt like a glaring hole for gamers and college hoops enthusiasts alike. The annual March Madness tournament is one of the biggest sporting events in the United States, capturing the hearts of millions every spring with buzzer-beaters, Cinderella runs, and campus pride on full display. Now, fans will finally get a chance to relive that magic on their favorite consoles.
The new game, reportedly titled EA Sports College Basketball, is set to tap into the same nostalgia and excitement that EA’s recent revival of College Football has reignited. Much like that project, the return of college basketball has been made possible by sweeping changes in the rules around name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. In the past, player likeness issues and lawsuits over unpaid compensation forced EA to shelve its college sports titles. But with new NIL regulations allowing college athletes to profit from their name and image, EA can now bring real players into the game with full authenticity — a major step forward that fans have long demanded.
Though details are still emerging, EA says the new game will deliver a true-to-life college basketball experience, featuring realistic arenas, authentic team chants, historic rivalries, and perhaps most importantly, real college athletes on the court. Fans can expect dynasty modes where they recruit top prospects, build powerhouse programs, and take their teams from the regular season all the way to the madness of the tournament.
The announcement has already sent waves of excitement across social media. Many remember the old NCAA March Madness and NCAA Basketball titles fondly for their frantic pace, unique college atmosphere, and iconic soundtracks. For younger fans, this will be their first chance to experience a college basketball game built for modern consoles with next-gen graphics and online features.
The return also comes at a time when college sports video games are seeing a renaissance. EA’s College Football 25, which releases this summer, is one of the most anticipated sports games in recent memory. If its launch goes well, the new college basketball title could benefit from the same momentum and eager player base craving the excitement of campus rivalries.
One big question mark is how many schools and players will be on board. EA will need to sign licensing deals with universities and navigate a complex web of player agreements to ensure as many teams and stars as possible appear in the game. But if its college football revival is any indication, the company is well aware of the legal and logistical challenges ahead and appears ready to deliver the authentic experience fans crave.
For basketball diehards, the timing couldn’t be better. The popularity of March Madness is at an all-time high, with record TV ratings and a new generation of stars emerging every year. The chance to recreate buzzer-beaters, build dream squads, and relive unforgettable upsets in digital form is exactly the kind of immersive experience today’s fans want.
EA has yet to announce an official release date for EA Sports College Basketball, but early reports suggest a launch window in late 2025 or early 2026. Until then, longtime fans can dust off their old copies of NCAA Basketball 10 and dream of what’s to come: a new era of virtual college hoops that promises to be bigger, better, and more authentic than ever before.
One thing is certain — the drought is over. After 16 long years, March Madness is coming home to consoles, and college basketball gaming is finally back where it belongs: in the
hands of the fans.
