NBA 2K26 from 2K has its global schedule out. The article below lists regional launch times, platform differences, early-access windows, cover athletes, and edition prices, so you can plan preloads and play sessions.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the default cover athlete for the main edition, while Carmelo Anthony and Angel Reese appear on the Superstar/WNBA and Leave No Doubt editions, respectively. Oh, the Leave No Doubt edition packs the biggest bundle of bonuses.
Here’s When You Can Start Playing NBA 2K26
The wide release across most platforms is listed for September 5th, 2025 in many regions, with some staggered Steam times noted in the table below.
| Region | Xbox/PlayStation/Nintendo | Steam* |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (NZST) | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 | 4:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
| Australia (AEST) | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 | 2:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
| Japan (JST) | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 | 1:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
| Singapore (SGT) | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
| United Kingdom (BST) | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 | 5:00 AM, September 5th, 2025 |
| United States (EDT) | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 | Midnight, September 5th, 2025 |
| United States (PDT) | 9:00 PM, September 4th, 2025 | 9:00 PM, September 4th, 2025 |
* Steam will have a split release time depending on your region.
Those who purchased the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions will gain Early Access for up to 7 days before the wide release.
| Region | Xbox/PlayStation/Nintendo | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (NZST) | 4:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 | 4:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
| Australia (AEST) | 2:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 | 2:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
| Japan (JST) | 1:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 | 1:00 AM, August 30th, 2025 |
| Singapore (SGT) | Midnight, August 30th, 2025 | Midnight, August 30th, 2025 |
| United Kingdom (BST) | 5:00 PM, August 29th, 2025 | 5:00 PM, August 29th, 2025 |
| United States (EDT) | Noon, August 29th, 2025 | Noon, August 29th, 2025 |
| United States (PDT) | 9:00 AM, August 29th, 2025 | 9:00 AM, August 29th, 2025 |
The Standard and WBNA editions are priced at $69.99 and include a 10,000 VC pre-order bonus.
The Superstar edition – $99.99 includes the 10,000 VC pre-order bonus plus:
- 100,000 VC
- Up to 7-Day Early Access
- Full Series 1 Team Selection
- Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack
- 5x Series 1 Packs
- 2-Hour 2XP Coin
- 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts
- 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cover Jersey
The Leave No Doubt edition – $149.99 adds further content beyond the Superstar bonuses, including:
- 135,000 VC
- Up to 7-Day Early Access
- Season 1 Pro Pass
- Summer Pass (Season 7-9 Pro Passes)
- Leave No Doubt MyTEAM Pack
- Full Series 1 Team Selection
- Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack
- 5x Series 1 Packs
- 2-Hour 2XP Coin
- 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts
- 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cover Jersey
The details above should cover when your platform unlocks and what each paid edition provides – quite handy if you enjoy scheduling game nights or coordinating with friends.
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