The upcoming 2025-26 NBA season is fast approaching, marking the arrival of the annual video game from 2K Sports. This year, we have NBA 2K26, featuring stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named MVP for the 2024-25 season, Carmelo Anthony, and Angel Reese on its cover.
For basketball enthusiasts excited about the upcoming sports simulator of this year, the long wait is nearly over! The game even offers Early Access to those who fulfill certain criteria. If you’re one of the anxious gamers counting down for the release, then here’s your guide on when and how to get an early play of NBA 2K26.
NBA 2K26 Release Date Times
The NBA 2K26 video game is slated to drop on September 5, 2025, and it’s expected to bring several fresh elements compared to its predecessor from last year. As of now, the precise release time remains undisclosed, but given the pattern for the early access launch, we can guess that the game might go live at 9am Pacific Daylight Time.
| Time Zone | Release Time |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (PDT) | 09:00 (September 5) |
| New York (EDT) | 12:00 (September 5) |
| London (BST) | 17:00 (September 5) |
| Berlin (CEST) | 18:00 (September 5) |
| Cairo (EEST) | 19:00 (September 5) |
| Tokyo (JST) | 01:00 (September 6) |
| Sydney (AEST) | 02:00 (September 6) |
| Auckland (NZST) | 04:00 (September 6) |
If there’s any change in the official release time that deviates from the timeline for the Early Access version of 2K26, we will make sure to update the information in the table provided above.
How to Play NBA 2K26 Early
If you’re eager to play NBA 2K26 a week ahead of its official release date, you’ll have to spend a bit more and opt for either the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions of the game. These special versions come with extra benefits, such as early access, as outlined in the game’s roadmap.
In the Superstar edition, not only do you start the game a week ahead, but it also offers you extra features as well.
- 100,000 VC, plus 10,000 more if you pre-order the game
- MyCAREER Content
- MyTEAM Content
For devoted enthusiasts, the Leave No Doubt Edition serves as an upgraded choice, offering these extra perks alongside 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
| Time Zone | Release Time |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (PDT) | 09:00 (August 29) |
| New York (EDT) | 12:00 (August 29) |
| London (BST) | 17:00 (August 29) |
| Berlin (CEST) | 18:00 (August 29) |
| Cairo (EEST) | 19:00 (August 29) |
| Tokyo (JST) | 01:00 (August 30) |
| Sydney (AEST) | 02:00 (August 30) |
| Auckland (NZST) | 04:00 (August 30) |
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2025-08-27 13:38