2K and Visual Concepts are set to deliver significant graphical and presentation improvements in the upcoming NBA 2K26. A new shader will enable realistic portrayals of sweat on athletes' bodies and small cracks forming on their lips due to dehydration. Uniforms will feature visible stitching, enhancing the presence of names and numbers on jerseys. Improved arena lighting will further highlight these details and add a shine to court floors. Enhancing authenticity, similar to EA Sports' efforts, 2K has integrated team-specific pre-game rituals based on NBA lore. Crowd diversity has also been expanded, with fans wearing jerseys of current pros or legendary players, and spectators may even heckle players in MyCareer, who can silence them with strong performances. The overall presentation is being elevated with mascots, halftime shows, new commentators, and enriched player interactions.

The MyPlayer experience in NBA 2K26 sees substantial enhancements. An expansive Animation Glossary allows players to browse every available move and their requirements, facilitating a more precise character-building process tailored to specific athlete playstyles. The new Build By Badges feature provides recommendations on MyPlayer creation based on desired abilities and badges. All these preparation efforts culminate in the new Scouting Report, offering a comprehensive overview of the player's created athlete, allowing for adjustments if unsatisfied. The return of Badge Perks, supercharged Cap Breakers, and improved specialization options further empower players to develop and evolve their virtual alter ego.

With NBA 2K26 nearing its September 5, 2025 release, 2K Games has begun teasing player ratings. While the full top 100 ranks will be gradually revealed between August 16 and August 21, Specialist Ratings have been released, starting with the top 10 three-point and mid-range shooters. Predictably, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors leads the three-point shooters with an almost perfect score of 99. He is followed by Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets) with a 91 rating and Klay Thompson (Dallas Mavericks) with an 89. Other top three-point shooters 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 are tightly grouped, ranging from 96 to 98. Seven-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) shares the top spot with Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks), both rated 98. A five-way tie at 97 includes Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Nembhard, and Stephen Curry. Rounding out the top 10 mid-range shooters are DeMar DeRozan (Sacramento Kings, 96), Miles McBride (New York Knicks, 96), and Khris Middleton (Washington Wizards, 96).

WNBA athletes are once again represented, with 2K Games revealing the top ten highest-rated players. Minnesota Lynx power forward Napheesa Collier leads the WNBA rankings with a 98 OVR. She is followed by A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) and Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), both rated 97 OVR. Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) takes the fourth spot with 96 OVR, while NBA 2K26 cover star Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) secures the tenth spot with 90 OVR after her notable rookie season. Other top WNBA players include 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).

A significant new feature for NBA 2K26 is the availability of WNBA players in all MyTEAM modes, allowing players to build mixed squads. MyTEAM will also introduce brand-new Game Changer cards, the Breakout: Gauntlet game mode, and 5v5 co-op with All-Star Team-Ups. NBA 2K26 is scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, with 7-day early access for those who preorder the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions.