NBA 2K26: Release Date, Platforms, and Cover Stars Revealed

SGA, Reese, and Melo in NBA 2K26 Cover (Credit: 2K)

NBA 2K26 is officially arriving on September 5, 2025, and this year’s entry is bringing some major shake-ups.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming release, including platform support, pricing, and who’s gracing the covers this time around.

Release Date & Platform Lineup

Let’s start with the essentials: NBA 2K26 releases on Friday, September 5, 2025. The launch keeps with 2K's usual early September schedule, and the game will be available on a wide range of platforms:

• PlayStation 5 & PlayStation 4

• Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One

• PC

• Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2

Unlike some earlier rumors, NBA 2K26 is not skipping last-gen systems. PS4 and Xbox One players are still in the game, which is great news for those not quite ready to upgrade. That said, the Switch 2 version will be optimized to deliver a more powerful experience, similar to what players expect on PS5 and Series X|S.

Pricing and Editions

This year’s edition lineup includes four versions — ranging from standard to fully loaded deluxe packs:

• Standard Edition – $69.99 for all platforms except the original Switch, which comes in at $59.99. Pre-orders include 10,000 Virtual Currency (VC).

• WNBA Edition – $69.99, exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, physical only, and available in the U.S. This version highlights women’s basketball with added focus on the WNBA.

• Superstar Edition – $99.99, digital only for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It includes 100,000 VC, MyTEAM and MyCAREER bonuses, and up to 7 days of early access.

• Leave No Doubt Edition – $149.99, available digitally on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC until September 7, 2025. This edition includes 135,000 VC, extra content for MyTEAM and MyCAREER, plus early access. However, it's not available in Belgium or South Korea.

So yeah, there's a lot to choose from.

Cover Athletes: SGA, Reese, and Melo Shine Bright

On the cover front, 2K’s going all-in on this year’s MVP — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder star, who led his team to a 68-win season and snagged both the MVP and Finals MVP titles, will front the Standard Edition of NBA 2K26.

The news first broke via Shams Charania, and 2K couldn’t resist poking fun with a playful tweet: “So this is what it’s like being on the other side of a Shams tweet. smh.”

Shai averaged 32 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds during the regular season and was a force throughout the playoffs, carrying OKC to its first NBA Championship.

Joining him are Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony, who bring even more star power to the lineup.

• Angel Reese, Chicago Sky forward and rising icon, will headline the WNBA Edition. She also debuts her new signature shoe with Reebok — the Angel Reese 1 — right on the game’s cover. In her words, “It’s more than a milestone — it’s a statement.”

• Carmelo Anthony will be the face of the Superstar Edition, honoring his legendary career just as he’s about to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

What’s New Compared to NBA 2K25?

NBA 2K26 isn’t just about fresh faces on the cover — it’s also making some solid gameplay upgrades and bringing back fan-favorite features with a few new twists.

At the heart of it all is an upgraded version of ProPLAY™ technology, which now powers more realistic dribbling, smoother shooting mechanics, and fluid movement animations like Eurosteps and off-ball cuts.

On the modes front, all the major staples are back:

• MyCAREER – with a streamlined story progression and a redesigned City layout to explore

• MyTEAM – including the return of Triple Threat Park

• MyNBA, The W, and of course, Play Now for those quick matches

Seasonal content is also back. NBA 2K26 will launch with nine total seasons, plus a Summer Pass. Just like last year, progression resets at the start of each season, and players can unlock rewards via Pro Pass or Hall of Fame Pass — both of which are optional premium add-ons.

All in all, NBA 2K26 seems ready to deliver a deeper, smoother, and more refined basketball sim — whether you’re here for the story, the comp grind, or just to shoot some hoops with friends.