NBA 2K26: Release Date, Times, Editions, Pricing, and What’s New This Year
- Sagar Mankar
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The wait is almost over. NBA 2K26 officially launches worldwide on September 5, 2025.
This year’s entry brings a mix of gameplay upgrades, expanded content, and a few surprises that make it more than just a roster update.
NBA 2K26 Platforms
NBA 2K26 will be available on:
PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4
Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One
PC
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch 2
Does it support crossplay? Yes, but only between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Progression can carry over within the same console family, but there’s no cross-save between platforms.
NBA 2K26 Release Timing
Early Access: August 29, 2025
Full Launch: September 5, 2025
Los Angeles (PDT) – 9:00 AM
Denver (MDT) – 10:00 AM
Chicago (CDT) – 11:00 AM
New York (EDT) – 12:00 PM (Noon)
San Juan (AST) – 1:00 PM
Buenos Aires (ART) – 1:00 PM
São Paulo (BRT) – 1:00 PM
London (BST) – 5:00 PM
Berlin / Paris / Rome (CEST) – 6:00 PM
Athens / Bucharest (EEST) – 7:00 PM
Tokyo / Seoul (JST/KST) – 1:00 AM (Sept 6)
Sydney (AEST) – 2:00 AM (Sept 6)
Wellington (NZST) – 4:00 AM (Sept 6)
Editions & Pricing
Edition | Price (USD) | Key Features |
Standard Edition | $69.99 ($59.99 on OG Switch) | Base game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cover |
WNBA Edition | $69.99 (GameStop exclusive, US only) | Angel Reese cover, PS5/Xbox Series only |
Superstar Edition | $99.99 | Early access, 100K VC, MyTEAM/MyCAREER boosts, Melo cover |
Leave No Doubt Edition | $149.99 | All Superstar perks + 135K VC, Season Passes, exclusive cosmetics, all 3 cover athletes |
What’s New in NBA 2K26
ProPLAY Motion Engine: Animations are smoother and more realistic. Signature moves now mirror actual player styles, with better rhythm shooting and footwork.
MyCAREER – “Out of Bounds”: Directed by Spike Lee, this year’s story mode adds off-court drama, meaningful choices, and consequences that affect your career trajectory.
The City (Next-Gen): Revamped with new hubs, faster travel, social features, and a Crews system that encourages team play and community interaction.
MyTEAM Expansion: WNBA players are now playable in MyTEAM. New mechanics include Game Changer cards, smarter coaching AI, and custom arenas.
Cover Athletes
Standard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Superstar: Carmelo Anthony
WNBA: Angel Reese
Leave No Doubt: All three featured together
With smoother gameplay, deeper storylines, and expanded modes, it’s clear that Visual Concepts and 2K Sports are aiming to deliver a more immersive basketball experience this time around.