2K Sports has officially kicked off the hype train for NBA 2K26, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series to date. The studio revealed the cover athletes for this year’s game along with key release details, platforms, and a sneak peek at gameplay enhancements.
NBA 2K26 will launch on September 6, 2026, for the general public across all major platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and the recently announced Switch 2. However, fans who purchase the Superstar Edition or the Leave No Doubt Edition will get early access starting August 29, 2026.
NBA 2K26 is pushing the envelope by promising a deeper, more immersive basketball experience across every mode. The gameplay has received a major overhaul on Gen 9 consoles, with an all-new ProPLAY system that delivers enhanced realism. Every dribble, crossover, and cut feels more responsive and dynamic, allowing players to experience the flow of real NBA action in a way that’s never been done before. Revamped size-ups and fast-paced animations further blur the line between simulation and reality.
MyCAREER makes its return with a completely reimagined journey. Players can create a transcendent MyPLAYER and work their way up from the bottom to the top of the NBA world. This year’s story mode is paired with a newly optimized City, where fans can squad up with friends, compete in challenges, and leave their mark on rival crews. The world is bigger, smoother, and packed with more to explore.
In MyTEAM, both past and present legends collide in a series of new single-player and multiplayer challenges. Whether you’re grinding solo or taking on others online, the mode is built to test your team-building skills more than ever before. MyNBA continues to evolve as well, offering players the chance to run a franchise with 30 unique storylines. As the GM, it’s your job to manage rosters, handle front-office decisions, and push your squad to championship glory.
More reveals and gameplay breakdowns are expected in the coming weeks as anticipation builds toward the game’s launch. NBA 2K26 will release on September 6, 2026, with early access available on August 29 for players who purchase the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions.
Check out the various versions of 2K’s NBA2K26 below.
“Every kid who grows up playing basketball pictures themselves on the cover of NBA 2K — it’s a dream come true moment, especially following an NBA Championship,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Being on the cover is iconic, but working with 2K and Visual Concepts to set the tone in-game — from curating the tunnel fits to the playlist that players will ball to — is what makes this truly special.”
The WNBA Edition:
This year, they will be offering a WNBA Edition, exclusive to GameStop — meaning this is a U.S. exclusive. That’s understandable, as it’s just the Standard Edition with a different cover star: the Me-Bound Queen, 7th overall pick in the 2024 Draft — Chicago Sky’s own, Angel Reese!
“Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone—it’s a statement,” said Reese. “It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically. To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey, but also all the veteran WNBA players who have paved the way before me and the growing impact of the league as a whole. I’m proud to be part of a game that continues to elevate women’s basketball and can’t wait for fans to see how NBA 2K26 brings our game to life like never before.”
After a polarizing rookie season, Angel Reese does deserve this honor. However, some will argue that other WNBA player in their sophomore season should also have a claim to it. Still, Angel Reese will be the WNBA representative in 2K26.
The Superstar Edition:
The original Melo. The Syracuse Orange. Drafted 3rd in 2003 — Carmelo Anthony!
Me7o will don the Superstar Edition cover this year, something usually reserved for the greats — and Carmelo definitely fits into that bracket.
2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Carmelo Anthony, will appear on the NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition.
“For more than 20 years, 2K fans have been a part of my journey,” said Anthony. “Being honored on the cover of NBA 2K26 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year is surreal. It’s a celebration of every chapter, every city that embraced me, every team that believed in me, and every person who’s been part of this ride with me.”
The Superstar Edition will be available for $99.99 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
This edition includes:
- 100,000 VC
- MyCAREER content: 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts, 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts, Cover Star Jersey, and 2HR 2XP Coin
- MyTEAM content: Full NBA Series 1 Team Selection, Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack (contains 3 guaranteed FA cards), 5x Series 1 Packs, and 2HR 2XP Coin
The Superstar Edition will be available to play one week before worldwide release with early access.
Leave No Doubt Edition:
The biggest edition this year will feature all three basketball stars on the cover.
The Leave No Doubt Edition will only be available to purchase through September 7 for $149.99 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
This special edition includes everything in the Superstar Edition plus:
- An additional 35,000 VC
- A Season 1 Pro Pass
- A Summer Pass (Seasons 7–9 Pro Passes, scheduled for release in Summer 2026)
- The Leave No Doubt MyTEAM Pack, which includes:
- A Galaxy Opal card (scheduled for December 2025)
- An Invincible card (scheduled for May 2026)
- A Puffer Jacket in MyCAREER.
NBA 2K25 players who pre-order the Leave No Doubt Edition on the same platform will receive a 10% discount.
The Leave No Doubt Edition will also be available to play one week early with early access.
Noticeably, this year the top-tier edition is missing the NBA Pass that has been offered in recent years. Instead, players who purchase this edition will receive three free Pro Passes for the Season Reward Track (Seasons 1, 7, 8, and 9).
