NBA 2K26 News

[p]Shape your NBA career with the MyPLAYER Builder and explore endless possibilities with all-new animations, archetypes, and templates in NBA 2K26 on PC to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a veteran player or rookie finding your footing, navigating the MyPLAYER Builder in 2K26 is intuitive and easy to understand, thanks to new and expanded features for added build clarification.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Your NBA career starts with the MyPLAYER Builder. Create a player from scratch or lean on pre-made templates and complete your vision. NBA 2K26 features an updated Animation Glossary and all-new Body Type previews.[/p][p][/p][h3]Animation Glossary[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Creating your MyPLAYER can feel like a big decision. There are several variables to consider when building a MyPLAYER from scratch, like which player’s scoring and dribbling animations you’ll be able to use when you’re in the heat of competition. The brand new Animation Glossary in NBA 2K26 is available to help you make more informed decisions when building your MyPLAYER.[/p][p][/p][p]When you Create Your Own MyPLAYER from scratch, the new Animation Glossary will list every animation with details, attribute, and height requirements. If you have a specific player you’d like to model your game after, use the Search function to find who you’re looking for; whether you want Stephen Curry’s quick release or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s smooth jumper, it’s easy to see all the requirements you need to meet for their animations.
[/p][p]There are numerous outcomes within the MyPLAYER Builder. This year, each Create Your Own build will sift through dozens of NBA player comparisons before choosing the best animations, associated with the suggested players, and assign them as default animations for a more enjoyable and streamlined experience.
[/p][h3]Build By Badges
[/h3][p][/p][p]Attributes lay the foundation for your MyPLAYER, while Badges can enhance and significantly improve your impact on the court. Experienced build makers often begin MyPLAYER creation by ensuring their attributes meet the requirements for certain Badges.
[/p][p]Try experimenting with the new Build via Badges feature in NBA 2K26 to shape the framework of your MyPLAYER. Choose your desired Badges and tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, Hall of Fame, and Legend—and the minimum attribute points required will automatically be locked in, meaning you can then spend your remaining attribute points to max out categories of your choosing and reach 99 Potential Overall without missing out on your must-haves.
[/p][h3]Body Types[/h3][p]
[/p][p]Get a glimpse of your MyPLAYER’s Body Type in NBA 2K26 with all-new visual previews of what you can unlock as you’re making it. Unlock Body Types by completing 3-star Gatorade Gym workouts to give yourself more variety.[/p][p][/p][h3]Build Templates[/h3][p]Eager to get on the court quickly? Hit the ground running with pre-made builds and expedite your MyPLAYER creation. Choose from three different template types and fine tune it to meet your needs.[/p]

1. [p]NBA - Play like your favorite NBA players with NBA templates. These builds come equipped with signature animations that mirror the style and actions of their real-life counterparts. Each Season, a new set of themed NBA templates will be revealed and added to the MyPLAYER Builder library. Season 1 will feature a collection of players who have had multiple NBA All-Star appearances.
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2. [p]Community - Starting in Season 2, new templates submitted by some of the best build makers in the NBA 2K community will be added into the mix, showcasing creativity, originality, and competitive playstyles. Stay tuned to learn more about the new submission process and how you can submit your MyPLAYER build for a chance to be featured in NBA 2K26!
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3. [p]Pro-Tuned - Designed by the NBA 2K development team at Visual Concepts, select a Position and Best Skill to filter a curated list of builds that suit your preferences. [/p]

[p][/p][p]NBA 2K26 boasts roughly 10 times the number of archetype names available in NBA 2K25, offering more unique titles that better communicate your MyPLAYER’s strengths.[/p][p][/p][h3]Scouting Report[/h3][p]The final step of the MyPLAYER Builder in NBA 2K26 is a new Scouting Report feature to help you understand what type of build you’ve made. It displays your best Badges and Attributes, and coaches you on your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you make a point guard with a low Pass Accuracy rating, the Builder will flag this as an area of concern and potential detriment to your teammates.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Height Balancing[/h3][p][/p][p]The game is growing—literally! The max height for MyPLAYERs in NBA 2K26 is now 7’4”. This decision was made by popular demand; however, the MyPLAYER Builder has been balanced to ensure that all height measurements, short and tall, can be effective against anyone on the court and encourage more build diversity.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Take your game to the next level with Badges, Takeovers, and Cap Breakers. These specialized boosts can be equipped and used to activate specific abilities on the court and improve your builds throughout the year for fresh playstyles.[/p][p][/p][h3]Badge Perks[/h3][p][/p][p]Up your game with Badge Perks that boost your Badges even further, even after they’ve reached their max potential.[/p]

• [p]Max +1 and Max +2 - Max +1s are back—and now there are new Max +2s. They work just like they sound. Max +1s push Badges one tier beyond their max potential, and Max +2s take them two tiers higher. Got a Badge that is maxed out at Gold? A Max +2 perk can boost it all the way to Legend![/p]
• [p]Takeover Surge - Badges equipped with this perk will be boosted one tier beyond their max potential while you have Takeover Level 5 active. [/p]
• [p]Hot Start - Badges equipped with this perk will be boosted one tier beyond their max potential during the early portions of games.[/p]
• [p]Clutch Gene - Badges equipped with this perk will be boosted one tier beyond their max potential during high-pressure situations including late-game situations in the Park and the end of the 4th quarter and overtime.[/p]

[p]Takeover Surge, Hot Start, and Clutch Gene are earned from rotating seasonal rewards, with one available each season. Badge Perks reset to their original tier once the season ends. Meanwhile, Badge Elevators continue to provide permanent upgrades within a Badge’s max potential, and Performance Multipliers accelerate Badge progression. 
[/p][p][/p][h3]Badge Accelerators[/h3][p][/p][p]Complete drills during team practices to earn Badge Accelerators that speed up progression of the Badge that you practiced for a limited number of games. The higher your star rating in a drill, the more impact the Accelerator will have.[/p][p][/p][h3]Takeover Progression[/h3][p][/p][p]After creating your MyPLAYER, you will be automatically assigned a Takeover that best fits your archetype.[/p][p]As you heat up on the court and fill up the five levels of your Takeover Meter over multiple games, you will unlock over 40 Takeover-related rewards. These include:[/p]

• [p]Takeover Tokens are used to unlock new Takeovers and Takeover Abilities. Overall, there are 44 Takeovers and 11 Takeover Abilities in NBA 2K26, consolidated to be around half of NBA 2K25’s total so that each one is more impactful. All levels of new Takeovers are instantly available to you and do not need to be unlocked![/p]
• [p]Takeover Presets allow you to change which Takeover you have equipped between games without exiting to the MyCAREER menu.[/p]
• [p]Takeover Accelerators speed up how quickly you fill your Takeover Meter.[/p]
• [p]The final reward is Custom Takeover. This allows you to design your own Takeover from scratch, choosing the targeted attributes that are boosted and pairing that with any Takeover Ability your build can use! 
  [/p]

[p]Takeover rewards only need to be unlocked once and progress is shared across saves.
[/p][p][/p][h3]Build Specialization[/h3][p][/p][p]New in NBA 2K26, Build Specialization questlines allow you to enhance your MyPLAYER’s potential in a specific skill area. [/p][p]For each save, you can pick one of five areas to specialize in: Finishing, Shooting, Playmaking, Defense, or Rebounding. Each area features nine unique quests that test your abilities in that specialty. If you choose the Shooting questline, for example, your second quest will be to make 100 3PT or mid-range shots. [/p][p]Your mastery will earn you rewards tailored to each skill area, including Skill Boosts, unique apparel and cosmetics, new archetype names, Cap Breakers for that skill area, and permanent Max +1 and Max +2 Badge Perks. [/p][p]Whether you want to extend your primary skill to be even stronger or round out your secondary skills, Build Specialization is a new way to make your MyPLAYER even better.[/p][p]

[/p][h3]More Impactful Cap Breakers[/h3][p][/p][p]Cap Breakers are evolving. In NBA 2K25, each Cap Breaker raised an attribute by +1 point. Most players in the community chose to make their best attributes even better rather than addressing their weaknesses. 
[/p][p]In NBA 2K26, each Cap Breaker will still raise your highest-rated and strongest attributes by +1 point, but if you choose to apply them to your lower-rated attributes you will see greater boosts. For example, if your favorite MyPLAYER build is struggling in The REC because you left its Free Throw rating low, a Cap Breaker could raise your Free Throw rating by double-digit points at a time and provide a significant improvement.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Remember, Cap Breakers have a few restrictions to ensure a balanced gameplay experience:[/p]

• [p]A Cap Breaker can be applied to each attribute a maximum of 5 times.[/p]
• [p]You can use a Cap Breaker on an attribute up to its max potential rating allowed by your build’s height, weight, and wingspan, which is shown in the MyPLAYER Builder while allocating your attribute potential.[/p]
• [p]You must progress an attribute category to its max potential rating before applying a Cap Breaker.[/p]

[p]Cap Breakers can be earned from Build Specialization questlines, Season rewards, REP rewards—and some other ways that we can’t talk about just yet![/p][p][/p][h3]Rebirth[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]There are multiple tiers of Rebirth in NBA 2K26, allowing you to carry over more progress from your existing saves than ever before.[/p][p][/p][p]Silver Rebirth is unlocked at 90 OVR and allows you to instantly unlock any newly created MyPLAYER’s maximum potential to the highest overall rating you’ve previously reached. This permanently accelerates your Badge progression by 10%, and automatically upgrades your Badges to Silver once attribute requirements are met.[/p][p][/p][p]As you reach 95 OVR across new saves, you will unlock Gold, Hall of Fame, and Legend Rebirth. These new tiers of Rebirth automatically upgrade your Badges to its respective tier once attribute requirements are met.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Utilize a host of all-new MyPLAYER Builder features to craft your perfect MyPLAYER in NBA 2K26. Explore more customization options, Build by Badges, and boost your game with Perks, Takeover, and Badges.
[/p][p]Coming up next, we’ll detail the all-new enhancements and features available in MyTEAM—this is a Courtside Report you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for the MyTEAM Courtside Report and other NBA 2K26-related news by following along on all of our social channels.[/p]

[p]NBA 2K26 tip-off on PC is less than a month away; bringing a host of exciting gameplay innovations and presentation enhancements in the latest iteration of the NBA 2K franchise. This year, the Visual Concepts development team made another Eurostep forward in lifelike animations and authenticity, with heightened player fidelity, palpable arena atmosphere, energetic commentary and captivating pageantry—let’s get into it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The weight of the moment combined with the wear and tear of each dribble, foul, and collision takes a physical toll over the course of a game. [/p][p][/p][p]In NBA 2K26, the evolution of player fidelity is more noticeable thanks to a new shader that brings out the subtleties of each player’s skin. Get up close and see the sweat stream down the pores on players’ faces, the cracks in their lips from dehydration, and the improved muscle definition after a thunderous dunk. [/p][p][/p][p]This new shading technology makes uniforms and shoes look even more detailed and stunning. The curvature of embroidered names on the back of jerseys boasts increased accuracy—you can even see the ultra-fine stitching. These minute details bring you closer to the action than ever before.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Take in the grandeur of these larger-than-life NBA arenas with improved lighting, floor shading, and team-specific features in NBA 2K26.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Improved Arena Lighting[/h3][h3][/h3][p]The lighting in NBA 2K26 has been redesigned to improve light intensity and color correction. Coupled with the new skin shader, the players shine and reflect like the stars they are as they dazzle under the bright lights of the arena.[/p][p][/p][h3]Improved Court Floors[/h3][p][/p][p]In addition to the new skin shaders, new floor shaders have been introduced to add more life and sheen to every court. The meticulously polished courts in 2K26 invite you to step on the hardwood and observe the uniqueness of each team’s home court. Depending on the camera angle you prefer, there’s a distinct contrast in wood grain color based on a higher or lower view.[/p][p][/p][h3]Team-Specific Features[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]From the shape of each arena’s overhead spotlights to the Clippers’ towering “Wall,” all 30 arenas in NBA 2K26 have been designed to closely match their real-world counterparts. Teams around the league have different pregame rituals, like how they create specific patterns with their light shows or how they illuminate the court with team colors. For the teams that rely on pyrotechnics to fire up the crowd, a thin haze will fill the arena and progressively dissipate as the game gets underway. Dedicated fans of these teams will appreciate the level of authenticity and effort that went into capturing the true essence of every arena, like the Detroit Pistons’ courtside lounge behind the baseline.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Feel the palpable energy of an NBA arena in NBA 2K26. Interact with diverse fanbases as a player and quiet the hecklers with sensational plays. Even the entertainers are putting on a show—mascots, hype crews, and national anthem singers are raising the bar during pregame and in between timeouts.[/p][p][/p][h3]Crowd Variety & Interaction[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Crowd variety and interactions were a big focus this year, and received major improvements and upgrades. Variety was greatly expanded with twice the number of unique character models, including more body types and heads. This represents a wider range of sizes, shapes, and ages. Clothing options are also expanded and now include current and historic player jerseys that feature a player's name on the back of the jersey. We're talking about over 60 historic players such as Jordan, Bird, and more; many of the top current players in the game have been included, as well.[/p][p][/p][p]Fans in the crowd have been given rally towels, foam fingers and even rubber chickens to show their team spirit. Expect to see these deployed in key moments of special games, think NBA Cup and Playoffs games. Each fan will also wear an arena provided LED wristband that’s used to create light shows for player introductions, after big plays, and more.[/p][p][/p][p]In MyCAREER, particularly passionate fans may heckle your MyPLAYER during the game. Listen to their chirps and use it as motivation to silence them with your skills on the court.[/p][p][/p][h3]In-Arena Entertainment[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]During breaks in the action, new performers and entertainment will take the floor. From mascots on pocket bikes to choreographed dances, and more. There will never be a dull moment. All-new renditions of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems will be played pregame, prior to tip-off.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Player interactions in 2K26 set the scene before the game with an updated lower-bowl experience.[/p][p][/p][p]Pregame shootaround includes fresh animations; players and trainers can be seen conducting drills and getting warmed up ahead of the game.    [/p][p][/p][p]When there’s a stoppage or break in the action—timeout, coach’s challenge, end of a quarter—players will see refreshed bench and huddle animations, as you make substitutions and draw up plays. Some players may even make their case to the officiating crew about potential foul calls.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Add to the memory of your clutch moments with eloquent commentary captured by the talented play-by-play and color commentary of the NBA 2K broadcast team. In the waning moments of a game, especially when it’s tightly contested, there will be a noticeable shift in tone from the commentators. As the clock ticks down and the intensity ratchets up, the heightened energy will feel much different from a blowout.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Returning to the broadcast booth in NBA 2K26 are the talented, iconic, and insightful crew of Kevin Harlan, Greg Anthony, Stan Van Gundy, Shams Charania, and more. In addition to this distinguished cast, new PA announcers, international correspondents, and the incredibly savvy Tim Legler have joined the mix.[/p][p][/p]

• [p]Tim Legler: Known for his high basketball IQ and deep Xs and Os knowledge, Tim Legler is in-game to provide game breakdowns and basketball analysis.[/p]
• [p]PA Announcers: All-new talent that represents the real-world arena announcers for almost every team. For example, the electrifying sound of Shawn Parker’s voice has been recorded for Charlotte Hornets games.[/p]
• [p]International: Team China features play-by-play announcer ZeYuan Guan and analysts Jian Yang and Qun Su, and Spanish commentators have recorded new audio as well.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]NBA history is defined by iconic individual seasons and clutch performances in big moments. NBA 2K26 is designed to capture the magnitude of these awards and moments by drawing you in with the pageantry and spectacle of it all.[/p][p][/p][h3]Dynamic Banners[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Celebrate your championships properly with dynamic banners in NBA 2K26. As you win titles, you’ll see banners from those championship victories raised into the rafters, where they’ll hang to commemorate your milestone achievements. Year after year, as you add to your storied legacy, these banners will be a constant reminder of your place in NBA history and a crowning achievement of your success.[/p][p][/p][h3]NBA Cup[/h3][p][/p][p]Presentation now has full integration for the NBA Cup, including more detailed overlays in Cup games that educate you on the groups and how many points teams need to advance in this unique format.[/p][p][/p][p]In addition, custom highlight reels will be played before NBA Cup games, featuring signature NBA Cup thematic music and special NBA Cup branding to make every moment feel more significant.[/p][p][/p][p]Replays will utilize the unique ‘matrix cam,’ which shows a 360-degree replay that orbits around highlight moments. [/p][p][/p][h3]NBA Awards[/h3][p][/p][p]Celebrate your achievements with all 7 NBA regular season awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Clutch Players of the Year, and Coach of the Year.[/p][p][/p][p]Your trophy will be presented to you in your first home game after winning the award. If you won more than one award, you’ll even see them presented together.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Capture your favorite show-stopping highlights with Instant Replay, Photo Moments, and Highlight Builder features. In NBA 2K26, you can now save filter presets for easy access when creating highlight reels. Put an artistic touch on your gravity-defying plays to give them a cinematic look and feel.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]From the rafters to the hardwood, and everything in between, NBA 2K26’s presentation enhancements raise the intensity inside the arena and make every game feel like it's primetime. Up next is the full reveal of the MyPLAYER Builder. [/p][p][/p][p]Stay tuned for all of the new insights, playstyles, and more coming in the MyPLAYER Builder Courtside Report. Be sure to check out the Gameplay Courtside Report in case you missed it, and prepare for Early Access*, starting on August 29, by pre-ordering the Superstar or Leave No Doubt Edition.[/p][p][/p][p]*Early access only available for NBA 2K26 Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions (Digital) only available on Playstation® 5 and Xbox Series X|S and PC. Availability restrictions apply. For details, see nba.2k.com/2k26/faq/.[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p][/p][p]ProPLAY™*, as you know it, is evolving on PC. The revolutionary gameplay technology we introduced on Gen 9 in NBA 2K24 has pushed the authenticity on the court to new heights—and in NBA 2K26 we’re taking it another step further.
[/p][p]Using actual NBA footage, we’re able to directly translate your favorite NBA stars’ signature moves and distinct movements to create thousands of realistic animations. Experience immersive gameplay that looks smoother, feels faster, and flows more seamlessly than any NBA 2K game to date. Let’s dive into this year’s all-new features and detail what makes NBA 2K26 such a game-changer. [/p][p][/p][h2]ProPLAY Motion Engine[/h2][p][/p][p]ProPLAY powers all-new dynamic motion in NBA 2K26; generated from real-world NBA footage that influences all on-court movement—offense, defense, and off-ball. This new Motion Engine is the biggest change to player movement since NBA 2K21 and further advances the one-to-one realism in gameplay, which took a giant leap forward with the Dribble Engine introduced in NBA 2K25.
[/p][p]New machine-learning technology in NBA 2K26 on Gen 9 offers more precise, lifelike movement, which is noticeable in the most fundamental elements of the game. Dynamic lower-body pose matching adjusts the exact positioning of players' legs and feet on the fly to remove the “skating” seen in past games and ensure that players launch, plant, and cut realistically.
[/p][p]Together, these systems work in harmony to not only make motion look better than ever before, but also leads to improvements across all areas of gameplay to create a fresh and authentic feeling when playing—so you can compete at the highest level.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]ENHANCED RHYTHM SHOOTING[/h2][p][/p][p]Watching so many of you discover and embrace the Rhythm Shooting mechanic to improve your shooting ability has been thrilling and rewarding. Seeing heightened competition has inspired us to push the envelope of Rhythm Shooting and bolster its strengths.
[/p][p]In NBA 2K26, Rhythm Shooting extends beyond mimicking each player’s signature shooting animation to giving you full control over every aspect of the shot. This shooting control method still relies on a DOWN-UP flicking motion with the shot stick, but now your Shot Timing and Tempo will actually manipulate the shooter’s upper body and impact how the shot looks throughout the complete motion by reflecting how you move the shot stick.[/p][p][/p][p]From the start, you’ll see and feel the difference between early, late, slow, and fast releases. If you flick UP early and rush your shot, you can do quick releases. If you flick UP late and slowly, you’ll see the effect with a delayed pushing motion and lazier release.
[/p][p]This enhanced feature grants more freedom than ever before to decide what type of jump shot you want to take. Counter a close-out from a defender by initiating a quick release and intentionally rushing your shot, and still knock it down by executing excellent Rhythm Shooting tempo. 
[/p][p]Overall, players who take advantage of the Rhythm Shooting mechanic will experience more responsive and authentic jumpshots that simulate a true shooting motion.[/p][p][/p][h2]OFFENSE[/h2][p][/p][p]Develop a robust post game with all-new Signature Go-To Post Shots and become a lethal slasher with custom layups. Gameplay in NBA 2K26 has been improved to be more well-rounded and suitable for all archetypes.[/p][p][/p][h3]Green or Miss Shot Timing[/h3][p][/p][p]Green or Miss Shot Timing will be universal in NBA 2K26, so that each mode has an even playing field. This means on higher difficulties, including most competitive multiplayer modes,  only excellent timing “greened” shots will go in; however, shot timing windows scale by difficulty and will be less forgiving in competitive modes like Proving Grounds and Pro-Am, but more forgiving in team-control modes like MyTEAM where you have to adapt to different shot animations.
[/p][p]In addition, Layup Timing is permanently enabled to separate skilled finishers and make those highly contested finishes at the rim even more spectacular and impressive.
[/p][p]Ultimately, we wanted to emphasize skill-based, competitive gameplay where your actions on the sticks provide more control of the outcomes you see in-game. This renewed focus will be felt across multiple gameplay areas, from shot outcomes to successful blocks and steals, and loose balls and rebounds.[/p][p][/p][h3]Signature Go-To Post Shots[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]It’s been encouraging to see players incorporate Signature Go-To Shots into their game and leverage real-world crossovers to create separation, like Stephen Curry and Tyrese Haliburton’s signature dribble-step-back jumpers.
[/p][p]While we’ve shown a lot of love to the elusive playstyles of the NBA’s greatest backcourt players, this year’s system is growing to better support the dominant big men we see in the modern NBA. Utilize all-new Signature Go-To Post Shots by holding the right stick UP while in the post. Lean into a host of new moves, including shimmy floaters, baby hooks, and up-and-unders.[/p][p][/p][h3]Custom Layups[/h3][p][/p][p]In the past, your single signature layup package determined all of your layup types. But in NBA 2K26, you can mix and match layup styles to draw inspiration from signature packages from around the league. These advanced layup types consist of:[/p]

• [p]Normal and Reverse Layups[/p]
• [p]Floaters[/p]
• [p]Quick Scoops[/p]
• [p]Euro Steps[/p]
• [p]Hop Steps[/p]
• [p]Spins[/p]

[p][/p][p]Wreak havoc on the competition by utilizing Steph’s graceful layups, James Harden’s shifty euro-steps, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s elusive hop-steps, and Nikola Jokic’s nimble spin moves to create a dominant custom package. Explore the bevy of post move and layup options when customizing your MyPLAYER and editing players in rosters.
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]DEFENSE[/h2][p][/p][p]Play freely and with physicality in NBA 2K26 using body-ups and collisions to antagonize opponents. [/p][p][/p][h3]Body-Ups & Collisions[/h3][p]NBA 2K26 uses system-driven technology to generate player-to-player collisions that are more reliable compared to previously scripted motion-captured animations. Coupled with new dynamic motion, this change improves the freedom of movement for both the dribbler and on-ball defender.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Interior Defense[/h3][p][/p][p]Interior Defense has been redesigned so that it’s easier to get strong body bumps in the air when contesting finishers at the rim. Bigs will feel increased physicality when roaming in the paint.[/p][p][/p][h3]New Rebound Timing Feedback[/h3][p][/p][p]In NBA 2K26, a green meter will flash beneath your player’s feet to indicate a well-timed rebound attempt. The ideal time to jump for a rebound is just before the ball makes its final bounce off the rim, and higher rebounding attribute ratings will make it easier to nail your timing. Excellent timing can significantly boost your chances of securing the board.
[/p][h2]CONTROLS[/h2][p][/p][p]Dictate every facet of the game with new and revamped controls for a more intuitive, deliberate, and free-flowing experience.[/p][p][/p][p]With this, overall game speed in NBA 2K26 is now sped up to reward players with faster decision-making, who can read the court, anticipate their opponent, and react quicker![/p][p][/p][h3]Quick Protect[/h3][p][/p][p]Ball handlers can now tap the Left Trigger to initiate Quick Protect movements to shield the ball and evade steals. If you see a defender reaching for a steal and react quickly enough with a Quick Protect, you can counter it. This balances the steal system by introducing more skill-based outcomes.
[/p][p]You can also put defenders in a compromising position by using Quick Protect while driving to the rim. Decelerate and pin your opponent against your hip to trap them in defender jail. Some of the craftiest ball handers—Jalen Brunson, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young—all excel at this, making them incredibly challenging to guard.[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]No-Dip Catch-and-Shoots[/h3][p]Hold the Left Trigger when receiving a pass while standing still to square up, catch the ball high, and seamlessly transition directly into your shooting motion in rhythm to get the shot up quickly. Knock down shots like Klay Thompson and Ray Allen as defenders race to close-out before your release.
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Revamped Signature Size-Ups[/h3][p]Signature Size-Up controls have been improved for a more intuitive experience. Now, you can rock the Pro Stick back-and-forth, left-and-right, or repeatedly flick the Pro Stick up to execute two different Size-Up combinations. These Size-Ups will help you create separation from your defender while retaining the realistic look provided by ProPLAY.
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Slow Motion Euro-Steps[/h3][p][/p][p]After initiating a euro-step, you can hold the Left Trigger at any point to deliberately decelerate mid-move to throw defenders off and create space with a slow-motion drag step finish. Slither through the lane and control the pace to send defenders careening past you.
[/p][p][/p][h3]Wrap Passes[/h3][p][/p][p]Wrap passes now have a dedicated control by double tapping CIRCLE/B. This expands the toolkit for playmakers to determine when you want to do a wrap pass and ensures you aren’t throwing the ball straight into the back of a defender.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Alley-Oops[/h3][p][/p][p]Catching an alley-oop now requires more skill. Once the pass is thrown, the finish button for the receiver will be randomized on higher difficulties to one of the four face buttons on your controller, instead of always being SQUARE/X.[/p][p][/p][h3]Setting Screens[/h3][p][/p][p]Screeners can now control which way you want to face. Tapping the left stick slightly left or right from the direction you are currently screening will turn your player 45 degrees, and tapping the left stick in the opposite direction will turn your player 180 degrees. This will help high IQ bigs who can help get your ball handlers open to stand out.[/p][p][/p][h2]AI & COACHING[/h2][p][/p][p]Enjoy enhanced AI that adapts strategically to your every move, regardless of whether you’re on offense or defense.[/p][p][/p][h3]Drive and Kick Intelligence[/h3][p][/p][p]Offensive AI are now equipped with a new intelligence module that enables them to actively look for scoring opportunities through drive-and-kick plays to generate offense, completely outside of regular plays. This module helps the AI understand defender rotations to locate the open man and chain together drive-and-catch opportunities. It also helps the AI locate receivers in pick-and-fade situations.
[/p][p]With this, NBA 2K26 features three-phase offensive AI that can attack through plays, freelance, or drive-and-kicks, or a combination of all three![/p][p][/p][h3]Help Defense Intelligence[/h3][p]Help defense can now dynamically adjust based on both the off-ball defensive pressure you’ve assigned and the position of the basketball in relation to the basket, so that your off-ball AI defenders can help on drives in the paint more consistently. 
[/p][p]As the ball gets closer to the basket, defenders will now be affected by the gravity of the ball and adjust their positioning to help recreate collapsing NBA defenses to protect the paint and then recover back out to shooters.
[/p][p]These improvements work in tandem with the improved drive-and-kick intelligence and complement each other to create a secondary level of ball movement that gives you opportunities to attack close-outs on defense and to make the second and third pass on offense.[/p][p][/p][h3]MyPLAYER Freelance Engine[/h3][p][/p][p]When playing as your MyPLAYER, your AI teammates will now consider your position on the court even when you don’t have the ball, which helps them determine floor spacing outside of plays and isolations.
[/p][p]Together with the improved drive-and-kick intelligence, your AI teammates will find you off-ball more consistently when penetrating or running a pick-and-roll action with you. 
[/p][p]This allows for a new set of Quick Plays that can be called by you, when playing off-ball, to alert your AI teammates to scoring opportunities. For example, you can alert your team’s ball handler that you are coming to set a screen for them, or call quick post-up and floppy actions for yourself.[/p][p][/p][h3]Improved Double Teams[/h3][p][/p][p]Double team defensive logic in NBA 2K26 has been improved to better track moving targets. AI will identify dangerous players more effectively, better anticipate when to send a double team, and close out more intelligently.[/p][p][/p][h3]Navigating Screens[/h3][p][/p][p]AI defenders now have improved logic to choose the best route around screens and obstacles on the court. You’ll notice more decisive positioning and movement to go over, under, or through the screen, depending on your strategy.[/p][p][/p][h3]Expanded Playbooks[/h3][p][/p][p]Playbooks in NBA 2K26 have been expanded to hold up to 80 plays! This allows playbooks to more authentically replicate teams’ offensive systems that they use in the real-world.[/p][h3]AI Difficulty Improvements[/h3][p]Ten new variables have been added to even more effectively differentiate the AI’s abilities across lower and higher difficulties including awareness of help defense rotations, speed at which help defense will commit once called for, how quickly defenders can recognize when a pass was initiated to react for pass lane steal opportunities, and more. [/p][p][/p][p]These are in addition to the variables introduced in NBA 2K25 and further improve how AI effectiveness scales with game difficulty.[/p][p][/p][h3]AI Shot Timing Ability[/h3][p][/p][p]In Play Now and MyNBA, a new AI/CPU slider called “Shot Timing Ability” allows you to separately adjust how skilled AIs are at timing jumpshots and layups. This is more effective than previous shooting sliders and leads to more expected results without impacting the AI’s intelligence in other areas so that you can fine-tune and customize your experience.[/p][p][/p][h2]LEARN 2K[/h2][p][/p][p]In NBA 2K26, a new Intermediate Tutorial bridges the gap between the existing tutorials and drills that cover beginner fundamentals and advanced techniques. You’ll learn about the different types of layups and dunks, how to execute simple plays like the pick-and-roll, and more. 
[/p][p]Learn 2K is the best place to grow your 2K skills, whether you’re a veteran who wants to practice this year’s upgraded Rhythm Shooting and refined controls, or a rookie who is learning how to play NBA 2K for the first time.[/p][p][/p][h2]COMING UP NEXT[/h2][p][/p][p]Gameplay in 2K26 is intended to feel smoother, faster, and more seamless than ever before. In the next Courtside Report, we’ll dive into this year’s Presentation enhancements and how they complement the gameplay for all-encompassing, authentic immersion. [/p][p][/p][p]If you missed the Roadmap Courtside Report, be sure to check it out to see all of the key feature dates leading up to Early Access** on August 29. Get up to 7 days of Early Access when you pre-order the Superstar or Leave No Doubt Edition, and receive additional bonus content![/p][p][/p][p]*Only available on NBA 2K26 for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.[/p][p][/p][p]**Early access only available for NBA 2K26 Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions (Digital) only available on Playstation®5 and Xbox Series X|S and PC. Availability restrictions apply. For details, see nba.2k.com/2k26/faq/[/p]

[p]It’s been a long and exciting journey to this point—and we couldn’t have reached it without you. Our team at Visual Concepts has listened carefully to community feedback and applied these learnings in earnest.[/p][p][/p][p]Over the next few weeks, leading up to Advanced Access starting August 29 and the global launch on September 5, we’ll unveil the new features, enhancements, and innovations coming to NBA 2K26 on PC; from a renewed focus on skill-based gameplay to fresh and authentic storytelling, and much more.[/p][p][/p][p]But because we’re so excited to share these updates, we wanted to give the community an early teaser. Mark your calendar—you won’t want to miss these gameplay and game mode reveals![/p][p][/p][h2]GAMEPLAY - FULL REVEAL WEEK OF JULY 28[/h2][p][/p][h3]Rewarding Skill-Based Gameplay[/h3][p]We prefaced it in the introduction, but this year in NBA 2K26 we really wanted to hone in on rewarding skill-based gameplay, where your actions on the sticks fully control and translate to the outcomes you see in-game. You’ll feel this point of emphasis across multiple gameplay areas, including shot outcomes, blocks, steals, loose balls, and rebounds.  [/p][p][/p][p]Higher difficulties, including most competitive multiplayer modes, will play with Green or Miss Jump Shot Timing this year to yield a heightened competitive atmosphere. Based on community feedback, Shot Meters and Dunk Meters both show you your green windows, similar to NBA 2K24’s. In addition, Layup Timing is permanently enabled to separate skilled finishers and make those highly contested finishes at the rim even more spectacular and impressive. [/p][p][/p][h3]New Tools for Offense and Defense[/h3][p]Get ready to elevate your game and feel the pulse of the pros with new moves that empower you with deeper control in the post and more control and customization over how you attack the rim. Lock down the paint and stay in perfect position with improved player-to-player contact on the floor and in the air, with improved footwork and defensive counters for a truly competitive experience.[/p][p][/p][p]This is just a sample of this year’s improvements to on-court gameplay; check back again later this month for the full breakdown. [/p][p][/p][h2]MyPLAYER BUILDER - FULL REVEAL WEEK OF AUGUST 4[/h2][p][/p][h3]Build with New Insights[/h3][p]We know how important the process of creating your MyPLAYER is, which is why we’ve added more depth and quality-of-life improvements to the Builder to help you better understand the type of build you’re making.[/p][p][/p][p]With new advanced tools—like the ability to preview unlockable Body Types—and more, the MyPLAYER Builder is packed with upgrades designed to give you more context, more control, and more ways to create your perfect build. [/p][p][/p][h3]Fresh Playstyles Year-Round[/h3][p]The MyPLAYER Builder in NBA 2K26 doubles down on everything the community loved in NBA 2K25, and more. Cap Breakers return with big improvements alongside even more new ways to improve upon your build that reward smarter progression and give you new ways to evolve your playstyle all year long.
[/p][p]The 5-level Takeover & Takeover Ability system returns with a streamlined progression system and gives you more control over how you dominate the court.[/p][p][/p][h3]MyPLAYER Build Diversity[/h3][p]The MyPLAYER Builder has been balanced to ensure that all heights short and tall can be effective on the court and encourage more build diversity. Overall, the MyPLAYER Builder remains intuitive for beginners, but veteran players can dive deeper into creating their perfect build.[/p][p][/p][p]August keeps the ball rolling with the full MyPLAYER Builder Courtside Report, expanding on the aforementioned new insights, fresh playstyles, and build diversity with a host of other new enhancements. [/p][p][/p][h2]MyTEAM - FULL REVEAL WEEK OF AUGUST 11[/h2][p][/p][h3]It’s a Party in Triple Threat Park[/h3][p]Triple Threat Park returns to take over a new location with a whole new vibe. With new ways to play alongside or against your friends, squad up with your plus-one, go head-to-head in various formats, and with community feedback in mind, earn even more collection-improving rewards throughout Triple Threat Park![/p][p][/p][h3]King of the Court, presented by AT&T[/h3][p]Based on community feedback, King of the Court, presented by AT&T, is now more accessible to compete for VC. Each King of the Court event will take place during a full-weekend window, extending beyond the previous limited 4-hour time slot on Saturdays. We’ve got plenty more details to share, so check back in August for the full scoop.[/p][p]There’s some big news coming to MyTEAM this year; stay tuned for the full reveal.[/p][p][/p][h2]MyCAREER - FULL REVEAL WEEK OF AUGUST 18[/h2][p][/p][h3]MyCAREER: Out of Bounds[/h3][p]NBA 2K26’s immersive MyCAREER prelude story takes players where they’ve never gone before in Out of Bounds. Watch your draft stock rise as you outshine your opponents. But there are now more consequences to your story games and choices. If you don’t complete all the objectives in a game, your agent might not be able to secure the best opportunities for you.[/p][p][/p][h3]Where Will You Go in the NBA Draft?[/h3][p]This year, your MyPLAYER can go through the Draft process and be drafted based on your performance and how well you fit each team’s positional needs. Let fate run its course to see where you get drafted, or bet on yourself and conduct a private workout for the team you want to control your destiny. Get drafted the traditional way or choose where you want to go—the decision is yours.
[/p][p]See where your MyCAREER journey will take you when we pull back the curtain and showcase this narrative-driven mode in mid-August.[/p][p][/p][h2]MyNBA - FULL REVEAL WEEK OF AUGUST 18[/h2][p][/p][h3]Dynamic Banners[/h3][p]Celebrate your championships properly with dynamic banners in NBA 2K26. As you win titles, you’ll see banners from those championship victories raised into the rafters, where they’ll hang to commemorate your milestone achievements. Each NBA arena has a dedicated section for these banners and, as you play out your own stories, you will see years and years of history proudly displayed during games.[/p][p][/p][h3]More Customization with Unranked MyGM[/h3][p]Take command of an NBA franchise as a General Manager in MyGM and import custom rosters and draft classes to fine tune your preferences in the new Unranked MyGM option. Enjoy further customization and explore endless possibilities in this role-playing sandbox mode.
[/p][p]This is just a glimpse of what to expect in MyNBA this year. In a few weeks, we’ll share more details about the mode—talk soon![/p][p][/p][h2]THE CITY - FULL REVEAL WEEK OF AUGUST 25[/h2][p][/p][p]NBA 2K26 welcomes Gen 9 players on PC. The City is even more intimate and accessible than its predecessor, with all points of interest well within reach to get you on the court significantly faster.[/p][p][/p][h3]The Park Gets a Makeover[/h3][p]Soak in all of the urban beauty in NBA 2K26’s new Park designs, which are focused on more natural and grounded scenery, like courts that you might find in the real-world, based on community feedback. Plus, new lighting improvements and a fixed time-of-day will reduce harsh shade and sunlight. [/p][p][/p][h3]More Ways to Flex in The City[/h3][p]Own the spotlight in The City with all-new mode leaderboards that shine a light on not only your rank, but also the players with the most wins in multiplayer modes like The Theater and The REC. Also, the top player from each mode will have a 12-foot statue of their MyPLAYER built outside that mode’s building, and it’ll be updated daily to give recognition to that day’s star.
[/p][p]Before The City opens its doors, we’re going to give you the full tour at the end of August, just in time for Advanced Access, starting August 29.[/p][p][/p][h2]COMING UP NEXT[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]Tune in to our Road to NBA 2K26 reveal streams throughout the summer on Twitch (with Twitch Drops enabled to earn Locker Codes!), YouTube, X, or TikTok, and join our Discord to be the first to know about new Courtside Reports and everything NBA 2K26.[/p][p][/p][p]Pre-order the NBA 2K26 Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions now to unlock Advanced Access on August 29! [/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

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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.[/p]