NBA 2K26 officially hits Steam on September 4, 2025, with early access starting August 29 for certain editions. Visual Concepts continues its long-running role as developer, and 2K remains on publishing duties.

Whether you're chasing championships in MyCAREER or building the ultimate roster in MyTEAM, this release includes all core modes: MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA (previously MyLEAGUE), Play Now, and The W. Each mode has been tweaked, refined, or expanded to bring a more complete and polished experience.

Gameplay Upgrades

This year’s biggest tech leap is ProPLAY, a system that pulls actual NBA broadcast footage to power player animations. It translates to smoother dribbling, quicker size-ups, more accurate shot timing, and more lifelike off-ball movement. From fast breaks to set plays, everything just feels cleaner. Animations now better reflect the pace and nuance of real basketball, which is especially noticeable during intense online matchups and higher difficulty single-player games.

What’s New

There’s a lot packed into this year’s update:

• WNBA athletes join MyTEAM for the first time, letting you mix rosters like never before.
• MyPLAYER offers a fully reworked builder system, giving you more flexibility in customizing stats, appearance, and position.
• MyCAREER introduces a newly streamlined City with updated progression systems.
• The REP system is back, revamped, and more rewarding.
• MyNBA now features 30 custom GM storylines, with choices that affect the league in different ways each time you play.
• Cover stars include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Angel Reese, and Carmelo Anthony. Each brings a distinct vibe to the cover and marketing.
• Returning players from 2K25 can claim a 10% loyalty discount at launch.

Game Modes Overview

• MyCAREER: Create a player from scratch, explore the new City, earn REP, and climb your way to the Hall of Fame. Includes story-driven progression and more off-court interactions.
• MyTEAM: Draft, trade, and compete with a mix of current NBA stars, historic legends, and now WNBA icons. Single-player and online challenges return, with better matchmaking and rewards.
• MyNBA: Take full control of a team and lead it through 30 story-based scenarios ranging from rebuilds and dynasties to unexpected shakeups. Choose your path, tweak lineups, and manage budgets and egos.

Key features

• Building and fine-tuning your ultimate MyTEAM squad with both NBA and WNBA stars
• Grinding through a story-rich career mode with actual progression and payoff
• Running the league your way in franchise mode, where your calls actually shift how things play out
• Gameplay that rewards smart spacing, timing, and knowing when to pass or pull up
• Having offline options ready when your internet’s not
• Getting in early with pre-order perks and edition bonuses
• A basketball sim that lets you play how you like, no matter your style