Another year has come and gone, and there was plenty for sports fans to enjoy this year. The expected hits like EA Sports College Football 26 delivered, but there were some surprises along the way. Here is the best sports games of 2025.
To be considered for the best sports games of 2025 list, titles must have released in 2025 and had a full release (excluding betas and early access). For a complete list of reviews for sports games in 2025, head here.
Get BWT in your inbox!
Get BWT in your inbox!
Best Sports Games of 2025
5. NASCAR 25
Publisher: iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations
Developer: iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations
The NASCAR franchise had been on hiatus since 2022, but the sport had not really delivered a good video game since the early 2000s. Partnering with iRacing Studios for NASCAR 25 was a decision that paid dividends, creating the best NASCAR video game experience to date. The racing action is fast-paced and visually stunning, and it’s clear that a great deal of care was taken to create an incredibly authentic experience for NASCAR diehards and new fans just getting into stock car racing.
From our review:
NASCAR 25 is a much-needed shot in the arm for NASCAR video games, bringing an authentic and fun experience to a new generation. Players will learn to appreciate the skill it takes to be the best on track, and it should draw eyes to the real-life sport as well, thanks to the incredible presentation.
NASCAR 25 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.
4. NBA 2K26
Publisher: 2K
Developer: 2K Sports
NBA 2K26 made significant strides in 2025, upgrading the visuals and implementing much-needed gameplay overhauls. The WNBA is given more time to shine, allowing players to enjoy the careers of their favorite players in The W. Smaller, less noticeable tweaks under the hood help make NBA 2K26 shine as the series continues to progress. It truly is a lifelike basketball experience.
From our review:
NBA 2K26 combines improved visuals with some important tweaks to keep the series feeling fresh. It still feels like the same old basketball experience, but the fresh coat of paint and greased wheels make it more fun to play and will have players coming back for more.
NBA 2K26 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
3. EA Sports College Football 26
Publisher: EA
Developer: EA Sports
2024 marked the return of college football video games, but EA Sports College Football 26 faced an uphill climb to live up to the expectations of gamers. Thankfully, it builds on the systems from the previous year to create a more cohesive experience. Gameplay is better, the UI is improved, and bugs have been properly squashed. There are still some kinks to be worked out and things like FCS teams that can be added, but it is still an excellent way to experience the glory that is college football.
From our review:
Overall, EA Sports College Football 26 is a step forward in the right direction and builds really well from where CFB 25 left off. There are plenty of quality of life additions from menus and UI to even more sliders and options for players for the various game modes. The gameplay is even better than previous years, offering more authenticity with added bells and whistles, no pun intended. There are still a few areas of improvement that can be made, but there is no sophomore slump for College Football 26.
EA Sports College Football 26 is available now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Iron Galaxy
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 proves that fans really do yearn for the simpler days. The remastered version of two of the most popular skating games of all time puts players back on the boards of some of the most legendary skateboarders, grinding and flipping across iconic maps. It does make some controversial changes to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, but these changes make for a more streamlined experience.
From our review:
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 is another example of how to breathe new life into a classic without losing touch with what makes the originals great. There is plenty of replay value thanks to online mode and important improvements to the Create-A-Park mode.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.
1. MLB The Show 25
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment, MLB Advanced Media
Developer: San Diego Studio
MLB The Show 25 takes everything that made its predecessor good and makes it better. The baseball is as fluid as ever, and the visuals are immaculate. The Negro League storylines return, providing a deeper look at an era of baseball that deserves its flowers. Road To The Show is still the pinnacle of the game, but modes like Franchise mode have seen some great improvements that make this a real home run.
From our review:
MLB The Show 25 hits a home run by building on its past and making minor improvements that make a world of difference. There are still a small handful of ways the franchise could improve, but baseball fans can rejoice and enjoy yet another excellent addition to the series.
MLB The Show 25 is out now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
There were plenty of other great sports games in 2025, but these are the cream of the crop. Be sure to let us know what you think was the best sports game of 2025!
