Everything You Need to Know About NBA 2K27

While we’re still months out from the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, we’re fast approaching the launch of the next installment in the NBA 2K franchise, 2K27. The three cover athletes for the various editions of the game have just been unveiled, including Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose, but 2K has also shared a ton about what will be featured in NBA 2K27.

NBA 2K27 Release Date

NBA 2K27 will be released on Friday, September 4, 2026. Early September is typically when the latest entry in the NBA 2K series launches, but there is actually a way you can play the game a week early.

Early Access for 2K27 will begin on August 28, 2026. This will be unlocked for anyone who picks up the Deluxe or Ultra Edition of the game, which we’ll touch on in just a bit.

NBA 2K27 Platforms

Fans will be happy to hear that 2K is no longer supporting last-generation consoles like the PS4, meaning that 2K27 will benefit from not being constrained to older hardware. The first game to release on the PS4 and Xbox One was NBA 2K14, and every game up to 2K26 has also been released on the previous generation. The official list of platforms the game is available on includes:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC
• Nintendo Switch 2

NBA 2K27 Cover Athletes

2K revealed the cover athletes for NBA 2K27, with Victor Wembanyama gracing the Standard Edition, Caitlin Clark on the Deluxe Edition, and Derrick Rose on the Ultra Edition. Wemby and Caitlin are getting their first 2K cover with this latest entry in the franchise, but D-Rose was previously the cover athlete for 2K13. Remember back then when Jay-Z curated the soundtrack?

NBA 2K27 Editions & Pricing

Standard Edition - $70

You’ll get Victor Wembanyama on the cover and no additional bonuses. With the Standard Edition, players can start playing the game on September 4, 2026.

Deluxe Edition - $100

Caitlin Clark graces the cover of the Deluxe Edition of NBA 2K27. On top of that, you’ll receive:

• 100,000 VC
• MyCAREER bonuses like Skill Boosts, Gatorade Boosts, and Double XP boosts
• Wemby Jersey
• Caitlin Clark jersey
• MyTEAM packs
• Early access beginning on August 28, 2026

Ultra Edition - $150

Derrick Rose is placed on the cover of the 2K27 Ultra Edition. You’ll get everything from the Deluxe, plus:

• An additional 35,000 VC
• Season 1 Pro Pass
• The Summer Season Pass Pro Pass Bundle (which will be released in Summer 2027)
• The Roses Oversize Hoodie in MyCAREER
• Guaranteed 98 overall MyTEAM player card
• Guaranteed Invincible card
• If you already have NBA 2K26, you unlock a 10% discount on the Ultra Edition.
• Early access beginning on August 28, 2026

Pre-Order Bonuses

Pre-orders for NBA 2K27 are live right now, and if you purchase the game before August 17, 2026, you’ll qualify for multiple bonuses. This includes:

NBA 2K27 Bonuses

• Hyperdrive Suit for MyCAREER
• 90 Overall Victor Wembanyama card for MyTEAM
• 10,000 VC

NBA 2K26 Bonuses

• 15,000 VC
• Racecar helmet for MyCAREER
• G.O.A.T. Steph Curry card for MyTEAM

If you miss out on this early pre-order window, you’ll still get the 10,000 VC bonus.

Returning Features and Game Modes

NBA 2K27 will come with a number of returning game modes and features, including:

• The City for MyCAREER: An open-world hub you can explore that acts as the centerpiece for your MyCAREER and online play with your MyPLAYER

• Seasons: Rotating challenges and content throughout the year

• MyTEAM: The card-collecting game that allows you to build your own super team

• MyNBA: Previously titled MyGM, this mode lets you take control of a franchise, create your version of the NBA, and simulate multiple seasons of play

• Crews: A faction system where you can recruit up to 50 members and group together with friends

• ProPLAY: First introduced in 2K24, this new system takes real-life NBA footage and creates in-game animations based on their moves, rather than traditional motion capture. This helps the game feel more authentic.

• The REC: The REC in 2K is an indoor center where you can play against your friends or other players online in 5-on-5 matchups.

First Gameplay Trailer

No gameplay trailers for NBA 2K have been released at the time of this writing. However, 2K announced that the first gameplay trailer will drop on Tuesday, July 28.

2K27 Key Dates

July 22, 2026 - Pre-orders open

July 28, 2026 - First gameplay trailer

August 10, 2026 - Soundtrack Reveal

August 13, 2026 - Apparel Spotlight

August 17, 2026 - Deadline for extra pre-order bonuses

August 28, 2026 - Early Access opens (Deluxe and Ultra Editions)

September 4, 2026 - Worldwide release

September 6, 2026 - Ultra Edition availability ends

As more is revealed about NBA 2K27, we’ll keep this page updated and provide more in-depth breakdowns.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com