NBA 2K27 officially releases worldwide on Friday, September 4, 2026, bringing the latest installment of the popular basketball video game franchise to players ahead of the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.
However, players who purchase eligible premium editions will not have to wait until September.
NBA 2K27 Early Access begins Friday, August 28, 2026, giving Deluxe and Ultra Edition players the opportunity to start playing one week before the worldwide release.
Here is everything you need to know about the NBA 2K27 release date, Early Access, editions, platforms and cover athletes.
When Does NBA 2K27 Come Out?
The official NBA 2K27 release date is September 4, 2026.
That is when the game becomes available worldwide, including the Standard Edition.
Players purchasing editions that include Early Access can begin playing on August 28, creating two important NBA 2K27 release dates:
- August 28, 2026 — NBA 2K27 Early Access
- September 4, 2026 — NBA 2K27 worldwide release
The Early Access period gives eligible players approximately one full week with the game before the Standard Edition launches.
What Time Does NBA 2K27 Early Access Start?
NBA 2K27 Early Access begins August 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
That translates to:
- 9:00 a.m. PT
- 11:00 a.m. CT
- 12:00 p.m. ET
Players should keep in mind that availability can vary depending on platform, region and storefront.
How to Get NBA 2K27 Early Access
Players who want to play NBA 2K27 before September 4 will need an edition that includes Early Access.
The NBA 2K27 Deluxe Edition and Ultra Edition include Early Access beginning August 28.
That means players purchasing one of those editions can potentially begin playing seven days before Standard Edition players.
NBA 2K27 Editions
NBA 2K27 is available in several editions designed for different types of players.
NBA 2K27 Standard Edition
The Standard Edition is the base version of NBA 2K27.
Its official release date is September 4, 2026.
NBA 2K27 Deluxe Edition
The Deluxe Edition includes additional content and provides Early Access beginning August 28.
It also features Caitlin Clark as its cover athlete.
NBA 2K27 Ultra Edition
The Ultra Edition is another premium version of NBA 2K27 and includes Early Access beginning August 28.
Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose appears on the Ultra Edition cover.
Players deciding between editions should compare the included digital bonuses and game modes they plan to play before purchasing.
Who Is on the NBA 2K27 Cover?
NBA 2K27 features three prominent basketball stars across its different editions:
- Victor Wembanyama — Standard Edition
- Caitlin Clark — Deluxe Edition
- Derrick Rose — Ultra Edition
The lineup combines one of the NBA’s biggest young stars, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball and a former NBA MVP.
What Platforms Will NBA 2K27 Be On?
NBA 2K27 has been announced for:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC via Steam
- Nintendo Switch 2
Early Access is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC for eligible editions.
Players purchasing NBA 2K27 should verify which features and bonuses are available on their particular platform and edition.
Is NBA 2K27 Coming to PS5?
Yes. NBA 2K27 is coming to PlayStation 5.
PS5 players purchasing eligible Deluxe or Ultra editions can also take advantage of Early Access beginning August 28.
The worldwide release follows on September 4.
Is NBA 2K27 Coming to Xbox Series X|S?
Yes. NBA 2K27 will be available on Xbox Series X|S.
Like PS5 players, Xbox Series X|S users can play during the August 28 Early Access period when purchasing an eligible edition.
Is NBA 2K27 Coming to PC?
Yes. NBA 2K27 is coming to PC through Steam.
PC is also included among the platforms eligible for the August 28 Early Access period.
Is NBA 2K27 Coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. NBA 2K27 has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2.
However, the announced Early Access period applies to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, meaning Switch 2 players should plan around the September 4 worldwide release unless 2K announces additional availability.
How Early Can You Play NBA 2K27?
The earliest announced date to play NBA 2K27 is August 28, 2026.
That is exactly seven days before the September 4 worldwide release.
For dedicated NBA 2K players, the additional week can provide an early opportunity to begin building a MyPLAYER, explore MyCAREER, start playing MyTEAM and become familiar with gameplay changes before the larger player base arrives.
NBA 2K27 Release Date FAQ
When is NBA 2K27 coming out?
NBA 2K27 releases worldwide on Friday, September 4, 2026.
When does NBA 2K27 Early Access start?
NBA 2K27 Early Access begins Friday, August 28, 2026, for eligible editions on supported platforms.
What time does NBA 2K27 Early Access begin?
Early Access is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT) on August 28.
Which NBA 2K27 editions have Early Access?
The Deluxe Edition and Ultra Edition include Early Access.
Who is on the NBA 2K27 cover?
Victor Wembanyama is the Standard Edition cover athlete, Caitlin Clark appears on the Deluxe Edition and Derrick Rose appears on the Ultra Edition.
Is NBA 2K27 on PS4 or Xbox One?
NBA 2K27 has been announced for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2, with PS4 and Xbox One not included among the announced platforms.
NBA 2K27 Release Date Countdown
NBA 2K27’s worldwide launch is scheduled for September 4, 2026, but the first players will get access beginning August 28.
For anyone planning to purchase the Standard Edition, September 4 is the date to remember.
Players who want to jump into the game as soon as possible can choose an eligible Deluxe or Ultra Edition and begin playing one week earlier.
With Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose featured across the game’s covers, NBA 2K27 is positioned for one of the biggest sports video game launches of 2026.