How to Play NBA 2K26 Early (Global Release Times)

The 2025-26 NBA season is nearly upon us, which means the yearly video game from 2K Sports is here. NBA 2K26 is here, with the likes of 2024-25 league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Carmelo Anthony, and Angel Reese on the cover of this year's installment.

Basketball fans don't have much longer to wait for the release of this year's sport simulator, with the game also offering Early Access for those who meet the participating requirements. If you're one of those eager gamers waiting for the title to drop, then this guide will provide all the release times and how you can play NBA 2K26 early.

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By  The Best War Games Staff

NBA 2K26 Release Date Times

NBA 2K26 is scheduled for release on September 4/5, 2025, with the release including a number of new features from last year's game. The game will release at 9pm PDT on September 4th, and midnight September 5 local time everywhere else.

How to Play NBA 2K26 Early

If you would like to get access to NBA 2K26 seven days early, then you will need to reach deeper into your pockets and purchase the Superstar or Leave No Doubt edition of the game. Both editions come with additional bonuses, including early access, as per the game's content roadmap.

The Superstar edition doesn't just get you in the game a week earlier, but also includes the following additional content:

• 100,000 VC, plus 10,000 more if you pre-order the game
• MyCAREER Content
• MyTEAM Content

The Leave No Doubt Edition is the deluxe option for die-hard fans, and comes will these boosts, in addition to early access:

• 135,000 VC, plus 10,000 more if you pre-order the game.
• Season Pass
• MyCAREER Content + Puffer Jacket
• MyTEAM Content
• Leave No Doubt Promo Pack

NBA 2K26 Early Access Release Times

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NBA 2K26

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Released

September 5, 2025

ESRB

Everyone / In-Game Purchases, Users Interact

Developer(s)

Visual Concepts

Publisher(s)

2K

Engine

Unreal Engine 5

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DIGITAL

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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.

POWERED BY ProPLAY™
Dominate every possession with immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into realistic gameplay. Feel more connected to every dribble and crossover with revamped size-ups and experience fast-paced, dynamic movement with all-new ProPLAY features.

SQUAD UP IN THE CITY
Build a transcendent MyPLAYER and climb the competitive ranks to reach the pinnacle of NBA stardom in an all-new MyCAREER journey. Team up with friends in a stunning, streamlined City, earn recognition and increase your REP, and battle rival squads for Park supremacy.

UNITE STARS IN MyTEAM
Collect and compete with past and present legends of the game in MyTEAM. Assemble a star-studded roster, put your dream team to the test in new single-player and multiplayer modes, and acquire new cards to make your MyTEAM fantasy a reality.

YOUR TEAM, YOUR STORY
Lead an NBA franchise as a General Manager in MyNBA. Choose from all 30 teams, experience 30 unique MyGM storylines with real-world inspiration, and chase the ultimate goal: to win a championship. Influence the future of the sport and leave an indelible mark on the league.

Genre(s)

Sports

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