NBA 2K26 has become a major talking point among basketball enthusiasts. It is the 27th release in the NBA 2K series, developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K.
The game has been earning heavy praise for its polished gameplay, but some critics have also found issues with its focus on microtransactions. Meanwhile, a recent game update related to college basketball caused huge controversy.
Why Are Fans Unhappy With the NCAA Team’s Addition to NBA 2K26?
On Wednesday, Houston Chronicle’s Joseph Duarte tweeted that Houston men’s and women’s basketball programs will be among 16 schools in the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game as downloadable content (DLC). Unlike the base game, which focuses on professional basketball, these college programs will be accessible as additional content.
Duarte reported that Houston players are scheduled to undergo scanning technology this week, which will allow them to have a realistic in-game representation.
Houston men’s and women’s basketball program will be among 16 schools to be included in downloadable content for the NBA 2K26 video game, according to sources. Other Big 12 schools to be included early next year are Kansas, Baylor and Arizona.
UH players will go through…— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) October 29, 2025
Durate’s report also said that other Big 12 programs expected to appear in early 2026 include Kansas, Baylor and Arizona, while additional schools likely to be featured are Michigan, Duke, UCLA and Florida.
It marks a return of college basketball content to video games, a gap left since EA Sports released its last NCAA Basketball title in 2009. At that time, EA withdrew from college basketball development due to licensing challenges and increasing interest from schools to collaborate with 2K instead.
However, 2K’s decision to limit inclusion to just 16 schools has earned it heavy jabs from basketball fans.
“Only having 16 schools in a sport of 365 is disgusting work. I’m sick to my stomach,” a fan said.
Only having 16 schools in a sport of 365 is disgusting work. I’m sick to my stomach. https://t.co/t13fSXo6Iu
— Anthony Kristensen (@AMFKristensen) October 30, 2025
“Assuming this will be a sloppy rush job, considering this just got announced only a few months ago… do we think any actual school arenas will be in this? Or will it just be a generic “college arena”?” one said.
Assuming this will be a sloppy rush job considering this just got announced only a few months ago… do we think any actual school arenas will be in this? Or will it just be a generic “college arena”? https://t.co/bvQF4gbEZp
— Tyler Rodriguez (TCC) (@tylerrodrigreal) October 30, 2025
“I get this is a ‘start, ‘ but what do we even do with 16 schools? Are there arenas there? Can they only play each other? It’s very confusing,” a person said.
“It appears that 2k has successfully hijacked and ruined the potential NCAA Basketball video game. The Cincinnati Bearcats and many other programs will not even be in the game,” one added.
“2K, in their quest to dominate the basketball game market, hijacked and ruined what could’ve been a great NCAA Basketball game,” a fan said.
2K has already hinted at long-term plans for college basketball content. The company stated that its “college basketball experience” will eventually include over 100 programs, gradually expanding beyond the initial 16 schools.
Early 2026 updates are expected to feature some surprising additions, while 2027 may bring a more comprehensive evaluation of a standalone NCAA basketball title. 2K said it will assess the college DLC’s financial performance and fan reception before deciding whether to pursue a full-scale game.
