NBA 2K26 is slated for release on September 5, 2025, across various platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with additional availability on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo. Players who preorder the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions of the game can enjoy a 7-day early access period. Ahead of the full reveal of the top 100 player rankings between August 16 and August 21, publisher 2K Games has begun teasing specialist ratings, focusing on top three-point and mid-range shooters in the NBA.

In the highly anticipated three-point shooting category, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry predictably leads the pack with an impressive rating of 99. He is followed by Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant with a rating of 91, and Dallas Mavericks SG Klay Thompson who secures third place with a rating of 89. Other notable players in the top 10 for three-point shooting include Desmond Bane (Orlando Magic: 88), Isaiah Joe (Oklahoma City Thunder: 88), Zach LaVine (Sacramento Kings: 87), Grayson Allen (Phoenix Suns: 87), Luke Kennard (Atlanta Hawks: 87), Sam Hauser (Boston Celtics: 87), and Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves: 87).

The mid-range shot ratings exhibit a tighter grouping among the top performers. Seven-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets shares the top spot with Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving, both earning a rating of 98. Just one point lower at 97, a five-way tie includes Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers), and Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors). Completing the top 10 for mid-range shooting are DeMar DeRozan (Sacramento Kings: 96), Miles McBride (New York Knicks: 96), and Khris Middleton (Washington Wizards: 96).

Beyond specialist ratings, 2K Games has also started unveiling the overall top NBA player ratings, confirming Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets as the top-rated player with a 98 OVR. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, also the game's cover star, shares the 98 OVR rating in second place, while Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo rounds out the top three with a 97 OVR. The top 20 list at launch further includes Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers: 95 OVR), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves: 95 OVR), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors: 94 OVR), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers: 94 OVR), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics: 94 OVR), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs: 94 OVR), Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers: 93 OVR), Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks: 93 OVR), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks: 93 OVR), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers: 93 OVR), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers: 92 OVR), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons: 92 OVR), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers: 92 OVR), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks: 92 OVR), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies: 91 OVR), and Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns: 91 OVR). The complete top 100 list is available on the NBA 2K26 Ratings website.

WNBA athletes are prominently featured in NBA 2K26, with 2K Games revealing the league's top 10 highest-rated players. Minnesota Lynx power forward Napheesa Collier leads the WNBA rankings with a 98 OVR, followed by Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson and New York Liberty power forward Breanna Stewart, both rated at 97 OVR. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark holds the No. 4 spot with a 96 OVR. The full list includes Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury: 95 OVR), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty: 93 OVR), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm: 92 OVR), Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury: 92 OVR), and Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty: 92 OVR). NBA 2K26 cover star Angel Reese secured the final spot in the top ten with a 90 OVR after her rookie season for Chicago Sky.

In a significant update, 2K has announced that WNBA players will now be available in all MyTEAM modes in NBA 2K26, allowing players to create mixed squads. This change is accompanied by new MyTEAM features such as brand-new Game Changer cards, the Breakout: Gauntlet game mode, and 5v5 co-op with All-Star Team-Ups.