NBA 2K26 is around the corner, and many fans get to jump onto the court before the official launch. Well, that's where early access comes in, offering players the chance to experience the game ahead of release day.+
Whether you are looking to secure a head start in MyCAREER, sharpen your skills in The City, or simply get familiar with the new features, knowing when early access starts is essential. Continue with our guide as we explore when exactly NBA 2K26 early access starts and how you can get in.
NBA 2K26 Early Access Start Date and Time
Players who purchase the Superstar Edition or the Leave No Doubt Edition will unlock NBA 2K26 a full seven days early. Early access officially begins on Friday, August 29, 2025, and it's a simultaneous worldwide launch. Here's when it goes live across major time zones:
- Los Angeles (PT): 10:00 AM, August 29
- New York (ET): 1:00 PM, August 29
- London (BST): 6:00 PM, August 29
- Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM, August 29
- Tokyo (JST): 2:00 AM, August 30
- Sydney (AEST): 3:00 AM, August 30
This means everyone with early access will start at the same time, irrespective of time and location.
Editions That Grant Early Access
If you're looking to hit the courts before launch day, you'll have to buy one of the premium editions:
- Superstar Edition ($99.99): Includes 100,000 VC, MyTeam packs, MyCareer boosts, a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cover jersey, and seven days of early access.
- Leave No Doubt Edition ($149.99): Comes with 135,000 VC, a Season Pass, MyTeam promo packs, extra MyCareer content, and a limited-edition puffer jacket, alongside seven days of early access.
The Standard Edition ($69.99) doesn't include early access, so those players will need to wait until the full release.
NBA 2K26 Full Release Date
If you choose to stick with the Standard Edition, NBA 2K26 will officially launch worldwide on September 5, 2025. Rollout times start at 10:00 AM PT, 1:00 PM ET, and 6:00 PM BST.
Whether you die early or wait until launch day, NBA 2K26 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series yet.
Stay tuned to RealSport101.com for updates, trailers, and official news on NBA 2K26 as we get closer to launch.