NBA THE RUN
NBA THE RUN – coming in 2026
The blacktop is calling, and a new king of the court is ready to be crowned in NBA THE RUN for Xbox, PlayStation and PC.
Play by Play Studios, in an official partnership with the NBA and NBPA, has today unveiled NBA THE RUN, a fast-paced, 3v3 street basketball game.
This new arcade-style experience is set to bring its ankle-breaking tricks and posterising dunks to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC in 2026.
Revealed with a stylish new announcement trailer, NBA THE RUN is a high-energy, above-the-rim take on the sport, packed with NBA stars, a unique signature style, and, crucially, full cross-play support from day one. It’s certainly going to play differently to NBA 2K26.
Back to the Streets: What is NBA THE RUN?
This is not your standard 5v5 simulation. NBA THE RUN is a 3v3 streetball extravaganza that focuses on fast, fluid, and perfectly responsive gameplay. The developers are promising that this smoothness is locked in thanks to a true rollback netcode system, ensuring that every high-flying alley-oop and split-second crossover feels satisfying and precise in online play.
You’ll be able to play solo or in squads, facing off against the best of the best in Knockout Tournaments on legendary streetball courts, all in an effort to stack up wins and become the GOAT of THE RUN.
A Word from the Creators and Partners
The excitement for this new project is palpable, with the small, scrappy studio and its massive official partners all sharing their passion for the game.
“*As fans of pretty much every basketball video game ever made, we have very big shoes to fill – and we don’t take that lightly. Our partnership with the NBA & NBPA takes us to a whole new level and we’re beyond excited about the collaboration and the potential of NBA THE RUN,“ said Scott Probst, Founder & CEO of Play by Play Studios. “We’re a small team, but we’re scrappy, focused and relentless about creating an all new smash hit. This game is for every hoops fan across the globe.*”
“*We’re always looking for new ways to bring fans closer to the game,” said Adrienne O’Keeffe, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships & Media, NBA. “NBA THE RUN provides fans with new ways to express their passion for basketball and we’re looking forward to working with the team at Play by Play to bring it to market.*”
“*NBA THE RUN captures the spirit of the video game classics that inspired generations of fans to fall in love with basketball,” said Nikki Pozzi, Vice President of Licensing at THNK450, the licensing, partnership and innovation arm of the NBPA. “We are excited to be giving fans yet another way to deepen their connection with our players and the sport through gaming.*”
From NBA Stars to Streetball Legends
NBA THE RUN is all about blending the official world of the NBA with the unique culture of streetball.
You’ll be able to build your squad from some of your favourite current NBA stars, who will be playing alongside a cast of fictional streetball legends created for the game.
From there, your battle to become the GOAT will take you to legendary streetball courts spanning the globe. The announcement has already confirmed two iconic locations: the sun-soaked courts of Venice Beach and The Tenement in Taguig, Philippines.
An Authentic, Handcrafted Vibe
The development team is keen to deliver a truly curated experience that puts NBA THE RUN in a lane of its own. Every last detail, from the players and the courts to every single hand-keyed animation, has been handcrafted to create a unique and stylish aesthetic.
Adding to that signature style, the legendary Bobbito Garcia – the iconic DJ, author, and video game voice – will be announcing all the action. His endless energy and enthusiasm will be calling every play.
A new challenger has stepped onto the virtual blacktop, and it’s bringing an official NBA license, full cross-play, and a deep love for streetball culture with it. This is a must-watch for hoops fans everywhere. Prepare to take to the courts when NBA THE RUN launches in 2026 on Xbox, PlayStation and PC.