With just seven days before the initial release of College Football 26, the second edition of EA’s new college football game, EA announced today that a college basketball counterpart will return for the first time since 2009. The NCAA’s new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules created the opportunity for the return of video games with college athletes, with players being compensated for their likeness in the game.
In the upcoming College Football 26 game, players made a baseline payment of $1500. Star players, such as cover athlete wide receivers Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith, will make more as “Ambassadors” for promoting the new game. The basketball video game could generate a larger player compensation due to the smaller roster size.
The game would most likely feature a transfer portal aspect, as well as the March Madness tournament as a playable mode. EA will look to replicate the unique traditions that fans loved in the College Football franchise: Mascots, school-specific music and fight songs, and realistic arenas.
EA does have experience with basketball video games through the NBA Live game series that spanned from 1994 to 2018. Most of those games had a mobile version; EA could expand their already dominant console college sports fan base expanding to a large phone and tablet customer base.
College Football 25 provided more exposure to athletes, especially to players outside of the traditional powerhouse football programs. The new basketball video game will likely have the same effect and “Opt-ins” could see a bump in popularity alone. Kansas’ running back (And now Saints running back) Devin Neal was a fan favorite from CFB 25 with his elusive juke move and speed combo. In the new basketball game, taller players and three point specialists will be sought after by fans, and their in-game production could turn them into more of a household name.
The game will most likely have a carryover of College Football 26’s school compensation algorithm, based on a pay for play system. Syracuse will likely be a high-usage team for many fans, in addition to other ACC powerhouses such as Duke, North Carolina, and Louisville. Syracuse will have to continue to craft strong rosters in order to gain this NIL compensation.
EA’s initial college basketball tweet has already generated over 4.2 Million views. The game is targeted for a 2028 release, with an expected summer/fall release before the start of the basketball season. This game will be a smashing success; Syracuse fans are hoping they will have a team that they are proud of when hopping on the sticks.
