Paige Bueckers rarely misses a chance to entertain fans — on or off the court. This time, though, she’s not alone.

On Friday, NBA 2K26 rolled out its Season 5 update with a bold new addition. For the first time active college athletes have appeared in a basketball video game since 2007, when College Hoops 2K8 was released. 

The company also unveiled its latest cover, spotlighting Lauren Betts, Paige Bueckers, Cameron Boozer, and Kevin Durant.

“2K is building the definitive basketball universe, uniting the NBA, WNBA, and soon the collegiate ranks under one banner,” said Zak Armitage, SVP and GM of 2K Sports.

“Authentically representing the most elite levels of the sport is an ambitious undertaking — and one that we will continue to scale over time, beginning with our foundational college experience next year.”

Notably, the update features players from 16 different schools, including more than 40 active college athletes.  Schools represented in the update include Arizona, Baylor, Duke, Florida, Houston, Kansas, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Purdue, UCLA, UConn, Texas, and Kentucky. 

Each program features athletes from both the men’s and women’s teams. Apart from that, Season 5 brings several major features. Players will have access to playable MyTeam cards and wearable jerseys in The City. 

The move follows the return of college football video games in 2024, when EA Sports College Football 25 became one of the top-selling games of the year. That success sparked renewed interest in a college basketball title.

EA Sports initially explored the idea but eventually withdrew its plans after several schools chose to partner with 2K Sports, which had already been developing its own standalone college basketball project.

So How Did 2K Execute The Plan?

According to released details, users will receive a “College Celebration Box.” It includes five free agent option packs featuring active college players. Gamers can choose one card to help build their starting lineup.

There will also be Alumni cards. These include both NBA and WNBA players in their college uniforms, honoring their collegiate roots.

But this is only the beginning. 2K Sports has emphasized that Friday’s addition is just the start of “an ambitious project” that will lead to a foundational college basketball experience in early 2027.

More details are expected soon. So stay tuned and follow She Got Game for more updates!

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu