Summary
NBA and 2K extend partnership with NBA Take-Two Media, focusing on gaming, content, and events.
Expect bigger NBA presence with live events and programming, confirming continued NBA gaming experiences.
NBA 2K aiming for a broader entertainment reach beyond gaming. NBA 2K25 to be released in September.
If you were hoping for an alternative to the NBA 2K series when it comes to yearly basketball sims, that won't be happening anytime soon, as the NBA and 2K have just announced a multi-year partnership that not only extends the license but also establishes a new company too.
The agreement is between the NBA and 2K parent company Take-Two Interactive, with the new company called NBA Take-Two Media.
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Based on the press release, 2K is gearing up for an even bigger NBA presence, as it even mentions live events and programming as part of the deal.
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The announcement was made on the official NBA PR website, which mentions that, in addition to the new multi-year global partnership expansion, 2K has also reached an agreement in principle to extend its longstanding relationship with the NBA G League and USA Basketball. This confirms that 2K will continue to pump out NBA video game experiences.
When it comes to the new company formed, NBA Take-Two Media will be a modern entertainment entity that aims to bring fans and players through "competitive gaming, social-first content, original programming, and live events." Expect NBA Take-Two Media to produce stories and experiences across "gaming, travel, music, fashion, food and more in partnership with tastemakers, athletes, creators and fans."
The NBA 2K26 Summer League, which takes place in Las Vegas from July 10-20 will mark the NBA 2K franchise's fourth year as the event's title partner.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver offered a statement regarding the partnership, stating "NBA 2K has engaged a new generation of basketball fans in an increasingly digital world. By expanding our partnership and creating NBA Take-Two Media, we look forward to building on the incredible success of the NBA 2K franchise.”
The NBA 2K franchise has sold over 150 million copies to date, and is one of Take-Two Interactive's annual franchises. While the gameplay has been solid for the most part, more and more players have become disenchanted with the franchise, given its hard push for monetization in MyCareer and the over-reliance on its in-game currency, VC.
Here's to hoping that we'll get a better NBA 2K game moving forward. If not, well, it's not like you have a choice. Expect NBA 2K26 to be released in September leading up to the start of the NBA's '25-'26 season.
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