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NBA 2K24 is alive and well, but the NBA 2K25 release date is in the back of all players’ minds. This is the nature of sports games, as they come with yearly releases that prevent one game from being active for longer than one year for the most part.
With that in mind, NBA 2K24 will be largely left behind after its year, and 2K25 will replace it. The trend will continue into the future, which means that even with 24 currently getting tons of players, developers and the community have their eyes on 25. Here’s what we know about when it will release and who might be on the cover this time around.
Zach’s Tips
The NBA 2K25 release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, because NBA 2K24 is still active. However, it usually comes out around late summer every year, so look for the same in 2024.
NBA 2K25 release date
The NBA 2K25 release date has not been officially confirmed. However, you can expect it to arrive in September 2024. We will update this article as soon as we have any official confirmation of when the game is coming out.
This expected release date follows the same trajectory as other 2K games. The NBA regular season begins in October, and 2K likes to release the latest titles a bit in advance of that. They usually give more advance than other sports games when it comes to the season’s start and the release date, which just means more time for players to play and get hyped for a new season.
NBA 2K24 released on September 8, 2023. By that same estimation, 2K could put out NBA 2K25 on September 6, which is the first Friday of the month. It will be around that time frame in all likelihood.
The inevitable release of NBA 2K25’s official date will likely not be known for a long time, especially with 2K24 being in its prime right now. Platforms will include PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It’s unclear if it will be a current-gen exclusive or if Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 consoles will get it, too.
There was no early access period for 2K24, so NBA 2K25 may not have one either. However, there will more than likely be pre-orders for the game, though, with pre-order bonuses as well. There should also be multiple versions of the game, similar to how there was a Black Mamba Edition, Kobe Bryant Edition, WNBA Edition, and others for the most recent title.
Expect all the same game modes to return, such as MyTEAM, MyCAREER, MyPLAYER, MyNBA, and more.
NBA 2K25 cover athlete predictions
The NBA 2K25 cover athlete could well be anyone. There are truly a host of NBA superstars who haven’t graced the cover yet, and others that could be in for a repeat appearance.
Assuming the developers won’t go with a historical figure like they did for Kobe Bryant in 2K24, then there are a lot of players to choose from.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the league and could be on his way to yet another MVP award (his third overall) this year, so he would be hard to ignore.
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers would make sense, too. He’s possibly on his way to a repeat as the award-winner, making him impossible to ignore by 2K Sports when it comes to making this decision.
You can consider Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic as deserving candidates as well.
Up and comers
Young and improving players could be an interesting choice, too:
- Minnesota Timberwolves G Anthony Edwards
- Charlotte Hornets G LaMelo Ball
- Indiana Pacers G Tyrese Haliburton
- Philadelphia 76ers G Tyrese Maxey
- Toronto Raptors F Scottie Barnes
The game is in good hands, so there are tons of young stars that could make an appearance. These are all worthy candidates, but we believe 2K could do something if the situation is right. LeBron James isn’t getting any younger. He said last offseason that he wasn’t retiring. He did say he would when he couldn’t give everything he had to the game anymore, but that’s not now.
James wants to play with his son, who is a potential draft prospect this year. If that all happens and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar decides to go on a farewell tour, then putting him on the cover makes all the sense in the world.
He is arguably the best basketball player of all time and he’s an NBA legend who could be on his way out. To commemorate his final season with a cover would be nothing short of deserved. If he doesn’t retire, he’s still one of the best players in the game presently, so he’d still be up for consideration.
NBA 2K25 FAQs
When is the NBA 2K25 release date?
Though it is unconfirmed, the NBA 2K25 release date is expected to be in early September of 2024.
What changes in NBA 2K25?
Rosters and graphics change from year to year, and NBA 2K25 will do the same thing. They will also tweak and revamp game modes and potentially introduce some new ones.
