EA Sports Hints at Bringing Back Popular CBB Video Game
Last Updated on July 2, 2025
After more than a decade-long hiatus, college basketball video games appear to be on the verge of a major comeback, thanks to the massive success of EA Sports College Football 25. According to a memo obtained by Extra Points, EA Sports has submitted a proposal to revive its College Basketball video game series, with a tentative release date set for 2028.
The memo, sent on July 26, 2025, by the College Licensing Company (CLC) to conference offices, outlines that a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued in November 2024. Of the five companies that expressed formal interest, three submitted official bids. CLC is recommending that conferences approve EA Sports’ bid, which includes a comprehensive, standalone simulation game featuring all NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball programs.
EA Sports Emerges as the Leading Bidder
Unlike competing proposals that included college content within broader sports titles or leaned more toward arcade-style action games, EA Sports pledged to build a full-fledged, standalone college basketball simulation featuring every men’s and women’s Division I basketball team.
Their vision would mirror the depth and features of their football game, incorporating modes such as Dynasty, Ultimate Team, Road to Glory, and Team Builder. Following the success of College Football 25, EA Sports plans to capitalize on the momentum of both games and explore opportunities for fans to enjoy both experiences.
As with College Football 25, real athletes would be included in the game via licensing agreements, facilitated through Compass and One Team Partners. The inclusion of real player likenesses and live service content—such as downloadable updates and optional paid add-ons—will expand and enhance the user experience while creating new revenue opportunities for participating institutions.
A New Release Strategy
Although a new college football video game is slated to come out each year according to the current licensing agreement along with other major video game titles supporting professional sports such as NBA2K, EA Sports FC and Madden, EA Sports proposed a more flexible release schedule for College Basketball, departing from the typical annual sports game cycle.
Over a six-year licensing term, the company commits to launching a minimum of three titles, with the option to release up to six. In years without a full new release, EA will offer roster and team updates via downloadable patches, while still paying 50% of the “release year” minimum royalty guarantee (MRG).
This shift acknowledges historical market differences—college football video games have traditionally outsold basketball titles by a 3:1 ratio—and provides an opportunity to test a consumer-preferred model that prioritizes quality over quantity.
There has been no clarification on which platforms would support the potential game.
Addressing the Complexities of Licensing
Unlike college football, where the NCAA is not a central rights holder, basketball poses unique licensing challenges. The NCAA owns key trademarks like “March Madness” and “The NCAA Tournament,” making their inclusion essential for a fully immersive experience.
The memo states EA Sports plans to secure licenses from individual schools, players, conferences, trophies, and the NCAA itself. However, the NCAA will not appear in the game’s title. The working name referenced in the memo is EA Sports College Basketball.
Royalties would mirror the revenue model used in College Football 25, distributing payouts to schools and conferences based on player usage metrics within the game.
What’s Next?
While EA Sports has not yet issued a public announcement, conference officials have been asked to approve the proposal by July 18. This would allow EA to begin collecting the assets necessary for development, putting them on track for a 2028-29 release.
It’s important to note that development timelines are fluid and subject to change. Still, the strength and clarity of EA’s proposal, along with its past success in the college sports space, suggest the return of a college basketball video game is not just possible—it’s likely. EA Sports and CLC have yet to comment on the proposal.
