The campaign roadmap for NBA 2K26 is now official, giving fans an early preview of what’s lined up for this year’s entry. From new gameplay systems to mode updates and feature reveals, 2K is rolling out information gradually over the next few weeks, leading to NBA 2K26’s early access on August 29 and full release on September 5 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Every year, 2K pushes out a new NBA 2K title with updated rosters, gameplay adjustments, and fresh features built around the evolving NBA landscape. Over the past few weeks, the focus has been shifting toward this next chapter. For instance, recently 2K confirmed Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, setting the tone for what’s coming.
As NBA 2K26 heads toward its worldwide release on September 5, 2K has dropped a full campaign roadmap laying out when the major gameplay and mode reveals are happening. Kicking off the week of July 28, the focus shifts to gameplay tweaks, with a big push toward rewarding players who lean into skill. Refined shot results, better layup timing, and more realistic defensive counters are all part of the overhaul aimed at making the game stand out from 2K's best-selling NBA 2K25. Also, offense and defense both get more depth, with sharper footwork and better contact physics giving the whole thing a more grounded feel.
NBA 2K26 Campaign Roadmap Ahead of September Launch
- Week of July 28 - Gameplay Reveal
- Week of August 4 - MyPLAYER Builder Reveal
- Week of August 11 - MyTEAM Reveal
- Week of August 18 - MyCAREER & MyNBA Reveals
- Week of August 25 - The City Reveal
August brings a closer look at the NBA 2K26’s major modes, starting with the revamped MyPLAYER Builder (week of August 4). It’s getting smarter build options, more feedback, and better tools across the board, catering to both veterans and newcomers. On August 11, MyTEAM takes the spotlight with Triple Threat Park coming back with a fresh look and improved multiplayer features, aiming to make it one of the best NBA games. Then there's MyCAREER (week of August 18), which goes deeper into story this year with “Out of Bounds” - a new narrative path where player decisions actually shape how the journey into the NBA Draft plays out.
Additionally, MyNBA adds dynamic championship banners and more ways to customize the Unranked MyGM mode. Lastly, The City (week of August 25) returns with a brand-new layout that’s built for faster navigation and a more realistic, street-level look. A new leaderboard system and rotating MyPLAYER statues are also being added to spotlight standout players as the season progresses. It’s worth noting that, despite the focus shifting to the upcoming entry, 2K continues to support NBA 2K25, which recently received its 8.0 update.
- Released
- September 5, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone / In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
WHERE TO PLAY
Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY™, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.
POWERED BY ProPLAY™
Dominate every possession with immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into realistic gameplay. Feel more connected to every dribble and crossover with revamped size-ups and experience fast-paced, dynamic movement with all-new ProPLAY features.
SQUAD UP IN THE CITY
Build a transcendent MyPLAYER and climb the competitive ranks to reach the pinnacle of NBA stardom in an all-new MyCAREER journey. Team up with friends in a stunning, streamlined City, earn recognition and increase your REP, and battle rival squads for Park supremacy.
UNITE STARS IN MyTEAM
Collect and compete with past and present legends of the game in MyTEAM. Assemble a star-studded roster, put your dream team to the test in new single-player and multiplayer modes, and acquire new cards to make your MyTEAM fantasy a reality.
YOUR TEAM, YOUR STORY
Lead an NBA franchise as a General Manager in MyNBA. Choose from all 30 teams, experience 30 unique MyGM storylines with real-world inspiration, and chase the ultimate goal: to win a championship. Influence the future of the sport and leave an indelible mark on the league.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes - PS5/Xbox Series only
- Cross Save
- Yes - same console family (e.g.between PS5/PS4, or Xbox Series/Xbox One)
- Prequel(s)
- NBA 2K25
- Franchise
- NBA 2K
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- September 5, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- September 5, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- September 5, 2025
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- September 5, 2025
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- September 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Sports
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Local Co-Op Support
- Yes
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- Legendary Edition Available
- Yes
