As always, I'd encourage you to read the whole blog, but here's my summary of the key points:
- A new shader enhances the detail of the players' skin, from sweat to muscle definition to cracked lips from dehydration.
- Courts and arenas feature improved lighting, new floor shaders, and team-specific details such as the Wall in the Los Angeles Clippers' Intuit Dome, the Detroit Pistons' courtside lounge, and authentic pre-game presentation.
- The crowd now features twice as much variety in character models, including more body types and heads. Fans will also be wearing a wider array of current and historical jerseys to games, and will have rally towels, foam fingers, and LED wristbands.
- MyPLAYERs will be heckled by opposing fans in MyCAREER games, who can be silenced by a great performance.
- Additional performers take the floor during breaks in the action, from dancers to mascots on pocket bikes.
- There are new pregame shootaround animations and player interactions during timeouts, including discussions with the officials.
- Late-game commentary has been improved to better reflect the intensity and atmosphere of close games and blowouts alike, with the commentators shifting their tone appropriately.
- Tim Legler joins the commentary team, and more real-world PA announcers including the Charlotte Hornets' Shawn Parker are in the game for more authentic presentation in NBA 2K26.
- Team China features play-by-play announcer ZeYuan Guan and analysts Jian Yang and Qun Su, and the Spanish commentators have also recorded new audio.
- As you win championships in MyNBA and MyCAREER, banners will be added to the rafters.
- Presentation in NBA 2K26 now has full integration for the NBA Cup, including more detailed overlays with information on each group and the points each team needs. Custom highlight reels will also be played before NBA Cup games, and replays will utilise the unique "Matrix cam".
- All seven regular season awards - MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Clutch Players of the Year, and Coach of the Year - will be presented during your first home game after winning them. If you win more than one award, they'll be presented together.
- Instant Replay, Photo Moments, and the Highlight Builder allow you to capture your favourite moments. Filter presets can be saved for easier access when creating highlight reels.
