NBA 2K26 is almost here. Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now as you showcase your moves with “hyper realism,” challenging your friends, or rivals in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes.
While most people will be able to play from this coming Friday, September 5, those who bought the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions secured early access that let them hit the court a week early from August 29.
We think NBA 2K26 is shaping up well, writing in IGN’s NBA 2K26 review-in-progress: “Despite my problems with its offline-only modes, the fundamental gameplay tweaks show plenty of promise in what I’ve played on my first day with it. I’m especially excited to see how it looks in MyCareer with its new-and-improved storyline, as well as in the potentially wonky online gameplay of MyTeam.”
NBA 2K26 global release times — early access:
Friday, August 29, 2025
PDT (Los Angeles):
EDT (New York):
BST (London):
CEST (Paris, Rome, Berlin):
Saturday, August 30, 2025
HKT (Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei):
JST (Tokyo):
AEST (Sydney):
NBA 2K26 global release times — standard access:
Friday, September 5, 2025
PDT (Los Angeles):
Saturday, September 6, 2025:
EDT (New York):
BST (London):
- 12am midnight (5am on Steam)
HKT (Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei):
CEST (Paris, Rome, Berlin):
JST (Tokyo):
- 12am midnight (1am on Steam)
AEST (Sydney):
- 12am midnight (2am on Steam)
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
