It appears Electronic Arts is halting their efforts to create a dedicated college basketball title, potentially clearing the way for 2K Sports to dominate the collegiate hoops scene. This news stems from a private email acquired by Extra Points.
To provide context: Back in June, EA Sports hinted at a forthcoming college basketball game, marking their return to the sport since NCAA Basketball 10 in 2009. This announcement generated considerable excitement among fans. However, 2K also revealed their intentions to feature college teams and players. Rather than a standalone game, 2K is focusing on college basketball content as downloadable content (DLC) for NBA 2K, possibly as a trial run for a future full release. Despite the College Licensing Company recommending schools accept EA’s offer, reports last month indicated numerous Division 1 schools favored 2K’s proposition. Consequently, EA is seemingly withdrawing from the competition.
According to a September 4 report by Extra Points, a leaked email penned by EA Sports’ VP of commercial licensing, Sean O’Brien, addressed to college licensing directors, suggests a change of plans. In the message, O’Brien wished the schools “good luck” and expressed the company’s disappointment regarding “some schools” “choosing to accept” 2K’s offer. The complete email is presented below:
Hi…I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend.
Given there are some schools choosing to accept the 2K Sports proposal for inclusion in NBA 2K, the offer to be included in a college basketball video game will unfortunately have to be rescinded.
Everyone at EA SPORTS is disappointed that we all couldn’t find an acceptable path forward, but we appreciate your support in trying to bring a stand-alone college basketball game with all men’s and women’s Division 1 institutions and student athletes, conferences as well as the NCAA, in a way that fans have told us they want. We really appreciate your support.
Good luck with back to school and an exciting start to the football season.
Thanks
Sean O’Brien
VP Commercial Partnerships & Licensing
EA SPORTS
It’s also conceivable that EA Sports deliberately leaked the email to Extra Points, hoping to rally fan support and pressure schools to reconsider their agreements. EA could argue, “Blame 2K and the colleges for preventing a new game. Enjoy your DLC instead.” While purely speculative, fans anticipating a new college basketball game are likely disheartened by EA’s decision, especially considering 2K’s reported DLC approach for NBA 2K.
Will this competitive situation continue to develop? Will EA ultimately pursue a college basketball game? Will 2K modify its plans due to pressure? Only time will tell. Considering the strong sales of EA’s College Football 25 last year and the potential profitability of a college basketball game, this story is likely far from over.