NBA 2K26 is here, and it's bigger than ever. Welcoming players back to The City on Gen 9 platforms, this year's installment is all about competition, community, and legacy. With a new cover star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)—the reigning NBA Finals MVP and regular season MVP—the stage is set for a season filled with championship swagger, fresh gameplay innovations, and a treasure trove of rewards.

From MyCAREER and MyTEAM to The W Online, NBA 2K26's Season 1 delivers plenty of ways for hoop fans to carve their path to greatness.

The Spotlight on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Decorated in gold, smooth under pressure, and born for the big stage—SGA takes center court as the face of NBA 2K26. His breakout dominance in both the regular season and playoffs embodies what this season is all about: commanding the spotlight, performing when it matters most, and carrying a championship mentality.

Season 1 celebrates SGA's rise to superstardom, offering themed rewards, Oklahoma City Thunder-inspired cosmetics, and a lineup of content reflecting his effortless game.

The City: A Thriving Hub for Competition

Once again, the City acts as the beating heart of NBA 2K26's online experience. This year, it's designed with a more accessible layout and stronger focus on basketball action, cutting down on downtime and boosting opportunities to hoop.

Compete in MyCAREER and MyTEAM to rack up XP, unlock rewards, and express your personality with new cosmetics, consumables, and animations. Thanks to cross-progression, you can earn XP across modes, making it easier to climb from Level 1 to Level 40 throughout each season.

Keep an eye out for 2XP events in The City, which will accelerate your grind and bring the community together in electrifying ways.

MyCAREER: Defining Your Legacy

Your NBA journey continues in MyCAREER, where every win, every trophy, and every milestone pushes you closer to greatness. Along the way, you'll climb the Season Rewards ladder with rewards such as Badge Perks, MyPLAYER skins, bundles, Cap Breakers, and more.

Some standout Season 1 rewards include:

· Level 5 – Boosted REC Elbow Band (+5% REP Bonus)

· Level 15 – Tier 1 ‘Clutch Gene' Badge Perk

· Level 19 – ‘Rumble the Bison' Mascot (Thunder spirit in honor of SGA)

· Level 32 – Animated Mohawk Hairstyle

· Level 39 – Biohazard Suit

· Level 40 – +1 Cap Breaker

For the first time, NBA 2K26 also introduces Teammotes—a library of animated emotes that you can use to celebrate with teammates all season long.

MyTEAM: Where NBA Meets WNBA

Season 1 of NBA 2K26 brings a historic first: full integration of WNBA Player Cards in MyTEAM. Players can now collect, build squads, and compete using NBA and WNBA athletes side by side, ensuring balanced gameplay across 3v3 and 5v5.

Highlighted Season 1 rewards include:

· Level 1 Ruby Kelsey Plum – Spark your collection with the two-time WNBA Champion and floor general.

· Level 10 Amethyst Steven Adams – A glass-cleaning big man to dominate the boards.

· Level 20 Amethyst Tobias Harris – A versatile forward with scoring consistency.

· Level 28 Amethyst Coach Billy Donovan – Unlocks new Badge Training Challenges.

· Level 30 Diamond Trae Young – Freeze defenders with elite shooting and handles.

· Level 35 Pink Diamond A'ja Wilson – The WNBA MVP brings elite scoring and rim protection.

· Level 40 Pink Diamond Klay Thompson (Mavericks) – Lethal shooter with access to the new No-Dip Catch-and-Shoot mechanic.

Other rewards include Game Changer Cards, VC, packs, and Hall of Fame Badges, ensuring constant progression for competitive players.

Season Pro Pass & Hall of Fame Pass

For those looking to maximize their grind, NBA 2K26 offers the Season Pro Pass and Hall of Fame Pass, delivering premium rewards on top of the free Season track.

Some highlights include:

· Automatic Rewards: Desert Camo Jacket, Tactical Bear Helmet, Amethyst Kevin Durant

· Premium Rewards: Vince Carter Toronto Raptors Jersey, multiple mascots (including Benny the Bull and Sir CC), Biohazard Suit: Blackout, and a special Pink Diamond Pro Pass Klay Thompson (Warriors)

These premium tracks pack additional VC, Skill Boosts, and exclusive cosmetics for players who want it all.

The W Online: WNBA Competition at Its Peak

With the WNBA regular season nearing playoff time, The W Online mode captures the intensity of the league's final push. Work together with the community to complete challenges and earn rewards ranging from VC and cosmetics to MyTEAM Player Cards.

Season 1 rewards include:

· Weekly Drops like the Angel Reese Oversized T-Shirt and Halloween Basketball

· Seasonal Rewards such as the WNBA Ball, exclusive clothing bundles, and Max +1 Tier upgrades

This mode keeps WNBA fans engaged and competitive while deepening the integration of women's basketball across NBA 2K26.

Conclusion: A New Era of Basketball Gaming

NBA 2K26 marks the Year of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but it's also a year of innovation. From the historic inclusion of WNBA Player Cards in MyTEAM, to new mascot skins, Teammotes, and rewards across every mode, Season 1 sets the tone for a massive year of basketball gaming.

Whether you're chasing glory in The City, grinding through MyCAREER, stacking cards in MyTEAM, or competing in The W Online, NBA 2K26 gives players more ways than ever to define their basketball journey.