NBA 2K26 News

[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]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
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]