NBA 2K25: Release date, features, more

In July 2024, 2K confirmed first details for NBA 2K25. Initial features announced included the release date, cover athletes, as well as a major update for PC players.

It’s that time of year again. The yearly installment of the NBA 2K franchise was confirmed in July 2024 by the development team, as the franchise looks to turn the page towards the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

First details included in 2K’s July 10 announcement was the confirmation of three cover athletes, console information, and an update regarding the future of next-gen compatibility with PC.

Here’s a look at everything we know about NBA 2K25.

Release date

NBA 2K25 will be released on September 6, 2024, worldwide. 2K confirmed this on July 10, 2024.

This date lines up well with when past NBA 2K games have released. The yearly installment typically comes in early September. NBA 2K24 released on September 8, 2024.

However, there will be an early access period for those who pre-order and purchase the game before the 6th. Early access begins on September 4, but be sure to check with retailers for those looking for a physical edition.

Cover athletes

Celtics star Jayson Tatum will be the cover athlete for the standard edition of NBA 2K25.

2K

A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces will be on the cover of the WNBA Edition and All-Star Edition, the latter of which will be shared alongside Tatum.

NBA legend and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Vince Carter will be on the cover of the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition. Carter will be enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October 2024.

What consoles will NBA 2K25 be available for?

NBA 2K25 will be available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One owners will be treated the old-gen edition of the game.

Will NBA 2K25 be next-gen for PC?

Yes, NBA 2K25 will be next-gen for the PC and including features included on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S editions.

This means that The City, MyNBA, and ProPlay will be available to PC owners, something that was not the case since the franchise went next-gen in 2020.

Known features & additions

2K confirmed gameplay changes in August 2024.

Gameplay

The development team stated an overhauled dribbling engine, over 9,000 animations, and over 1,000 shooting animations would be added for 2K25. Additionally, new shot timing and shot cancelling functionality will be in the game.

MyCareer and Badges

On August 8, 2K confirmed a shortened Badge list, as well as the presence of Cap Breakers and Badge Elevators. Both will work alongside perks and Performance Multipliers.

2K25 will also have a keen focus on Dynasties in this year’s MyCareer, as the game will track how well the player does with the team and how closely they align with great NBA dynasties of the past.

The development team indicated there would be additional changes coming to MyCareer and MyTeam, including a modified version of The City.

MyTeam

The Auction House will return for NBA 2K25 after the developers removed it for 2K24. Additionally, 2K25 will see the addition of Showdown, which will replace Unlimited. REP will also be present in MyTeam, as players can move up and unlock special rewards.

The City

The City will be the home to Proving Grounds, the new home for “heightened competition” in NBA 2K25. It’s a colosseum-designed arena with 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 5v5 action and will include five tiers of status. Additionally, MyCourt has returned for 2K25 and the four MyParks from NBA 2K15. Rise and Elite, the two Affiliations from 2K24, are also back for this year.

MyNBA & MyGM

Additionally, 2K25 will include a sixth era for MyNBA. It’ll be the Steph Curry era, documenting the rise of the Warriors during the mid-2010s.

Be sure to check out what’s happening across other sports games releasing this summer, including College Football 25 and Madden 25.