When Is NBA 2K26 Coming Out? Expected Release Date, Early Access Details, New Gameplay Features & Pre-Order Bonuses

The wait is almost over for hoop fans eager to load up NBA 2K26. 2K has confirmed that the global NBA 2K26 release date is Friday, 5 September 2025, with early-access tip-off beginning one week earlier on 29 August 2025 for qualifying pre-orders. Pre-orders officially open on 9 July 2025 and unlock bonus in-game currency, MyTEAM packs, and 72-hour early access depending on the edition you buy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Headlines the Cover Following his 2025 MVP-caliber season, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been unveiled as the cover athlete for the Standard Edition, while a dual-cover “Dynasty Edition” will spotlight both SGA and a classic Michael Jordan render celebrating 40 years of NBA video-game history. Confirmed Platforms • PlayStation 5 • PlayStation 4 • Xbox Series X|S • Xbox One • PC (Steam) • Nintendo Switch The game launches simultaneously on every platform, with Smart Delivery on Xbox and free PS4-to-PS5 upgrade paths for digital buyers. What’s New in NBA 2K26? 2K has kept most gameplay specifics under wraps, but its first Courtside Report teases: • ProPLAY 2.0 motion capture for next-gen realism • A rebuilt City featuring cross-platform matchmaking • MyCAREER storyline penned by an Emmy-winning writing team • A salary-cap era added to MyNBA franchise mode. Players who pre-order the Champion or Dynasty Editions also receive a 12-month NBA League Pass subscription, 100K VC, and the first MyTEAM Season 1 ProPass. Edition Guide & Prices (USD) • Standard Edition – $69.99 • Champion Edition – $99.99 • Dynasty Edition (physical only) – $149.99, includes a limited-print lenticular cover and a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander jersey for MyPLAYER Key Release-Date Milestones • 9 July 2025 – Pre-orders open, bonuses revealed • 29 August 2025 – Early Access unlocks at 1 p.m. ET • 5 September 2025 – Global launch & servers go live for all players How to Get Early Access Buy the Champion or Dynasty Edition digitally before 29 August and your account auto-unlocks the game three days early. Physical buyers will receive a redeemable code inside the box; codes must be activated by 28 August at 11:59 p.m. ET to qualify. Will NBA 2K26 Have Cross-Play? Yes. After debuting limited cross-play in NBA 2K25, 2K confirms NBA 2K26 will support full cross-platform matchmaking on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at launch, expanding to PC later in Year 1 via a title update. Last-gen consoles and Switch remain in their own ecosystems. Start Your Countdown With the NBA 2K26 release date officially locked for 5 September 2025 and early access on 29 August, now is the time to clear hard-drive space, assemble your MyTEAM lineup, and decide which edition’s bonuses suit your playstyle. Keep an eye on upcoming Courtside Reports throughout July and August for deep dives into gameplay, MyCAREER, and MyTEAM innovations—then lace up for a brand-new season of virtual hoops this fall.