It’s hard to believe that the next installment of the NBA 2K franchise, NBA 2K26, is almost here. Last year’s NBA 2K25 was still well received by critics, though some are starting to wonder if the series is losing some of its luster.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reigning NBA MVP, NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, and NBA scoring champion, is your default cover athlete for this year. Not a bad way to cap a year that also included him signing a four-year, $285 million extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He’s joined by NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, with his New York Knicks attire, and Chicago Sky star Angel Reese on the Superstar and WNBA Editions of the game, respectively. All three athletes grace the Leave No Doubt Edition.
Here’s When You Can Start Playing NBA 2K26
Straight from 2K, here’s when you can first hit the court and play NBA 2K26.
|
Region |
Xbox/PlayStation/Nintendo |
Steam* |
|---|---|---|
|
New Zealand (NZST) |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
4:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
|
Australia (AEST) |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
2:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
|
Japan (JST) |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
1:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
|
Singapore (SGT) |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
|
United Kingdom (BST) |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
5:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
|
United States (EDT) |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
|
United States (PDT) |
9:00 PM, September 4th, 2025 |
9:00 PM, September 4th, 2025 |
* Steam will have a split release time depending on your region.
Those who purchased the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions of the game will gain Early Access for up to 7 days before the wide release, as indicated by the table below.
|
Region |
Xbox/PlayStation/Nintendo |
Steam |
|---|---|---|
|
New Zealand (NZST) |
4:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
4:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
|
Australia (AEST) |
2:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
2:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
|
Japan (JST) |
1:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
1:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
|
Singapore (SGT) |
Midnight, August 30th, 2025 |
Midnight, August 30th, 2025 |
|
United Kingdom (BST) |
5:00 PM, August 29th, 2025 |
5:00 PM, August 29th, 2025 |
|
United States (EDT) |
Noon, August 29th, 2025 |
Noon, August 29th, 2025 |
|
United States (PDT) |
9:00 AM, August 29th, 2025 |
9:00 AM, August 29th, 2025 |
Price Breakdowns For Every NBA 2K26 Edition
Both the Standard and WBNA editions come with a $69.99 price tag and a 10,000 VC pre-order bonus.
For $99.99, the Superstar edition gets you the following bonuses, including the VC pre-order bonus:
- 100,000 VC
- Up to 7-Day Early Access
- Full Series 1 Team Selection
- Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack
- 5x Series 1 Packs
- 2-Hour 2XP Coin
- 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts
- 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts
- 2-Hour 2XP Coin
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cover Jersey
Finally, the Leave No Doubt Edition, retailing at $149.99, comes with the following, in addition to the pre-order bonus.
- 135,000 VC
- Up to 7-Day Early Access
- Season 1 Pro Pass
- Summer Pass (Season 7-9 Pro Passes)
- Leave No Doubt MyTEAM Pack
- Full Series 1 Team Selection
- Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack
- 5x Series 1 Packs
- 2-Hour 2XP Coin
- 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts
- 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts
- 2-Hour 2XP Coin
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cover Jersey
These multiple editions, including their price points and bonus contents, are par for the course with 2K Sports titles. It’s something we saw earlier this year with WWE 2K25.
