Play by Play Studios, in collaboration with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), has announced NBA The Run, an all-new, fast-paced, officially licensed 3v3 street basketball game launching in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
NBA The Run will feature full cross-play support and a focus on high-flying, above-the-rim action inspired by iconic streetball culture.
Play by Play Studios describes NBA The Run as a return to the roots of basketball gaming, celebrating the swagger and creativity of the streets rather than the structured confines of traditional arenas. From the sounds of it, this is likely designed to feel like a spiritual successor to the likes of NBA Jam, NBA Hangtime, and NBA Street, although they don’t outright say that.
Players can compete solo or team up in squads to take on knockout-style tournaments across legendary street courts like Venice Beach in California and The Tenement in Taguig, Philippines. Featuring a roster of current NBA stars alongside fictional streetball legends, NBA The Run features an expressive and exaggerated art style that blurs the line between cel-shading and realism, evoking a distinct and unique charm.
“As fans of pretty much every basketball video game ever made, we have very big shoes to fill—and we don’t take that lightly,” Scott Probst, founder & chief executive officer of Play by Play Studios, said in a prepared statement. “Our partnership with the NBA & NBPA takes us to a whole new level, and we’re beyond excited about the collaboration and the potential of NBA THE RUN. We’re a small team, but we’re scrappy, focused, and relentless about creating an all-new smash hit. This game is for every hoops fan across the globe.”
The game’s momentum will be driven by its real-time rollback netcode, which is similar to the same networking foundation that powers some of the smoothest modern fighting games. This should help ensure responsive, low-latency online for the fast-paced competitive moments. Play-by-play commentary will be provided by the legendary Bobbito Garcia, whose legacy as a DJ, author, and voice of classic basketball games adds authenticity and energy to every match. Garcia is also the voice of the announcer in NBA Street Vol. 2, NBA Street V3, and NBA Street Showdown.
“We’re always looking for new ways to bring fans closer to the game,” Adrienne O’Keeffe, senior vice president of global partnerships and media for the NBA, said in a prepared statement. “NBA The Run provides fans with new ways to express their passion for basketball, and we’re looking forward to working with the team at Play by Play to bring it to market.”
The NBPA also sees NBA The Run as an opportunity to connect a new generation of fans with both the sport and its stars.
“NBA THE RUN captures the spirit of the video game classics that inspired generations of fans to fall in love with basketball,” Nikki Pozzi, vice president of licensing at THNK450, the licensing, partnership, and innovation arm of the NBPA, said in a prepared statement. “We are excited to be giving fans yet another way to deepen their connection with our players and the sport through gaming.”
NBA The Run aims to fill the gap currently present on the opposite end of the spectrum from juggernaut sports franchises such as NBA 2K. The juxtaposition of a more arcade-style approach should be welcomed by fans. Anyone interested in learning about early playtesting opportunities can sign up on the official website and community Discord ahead of the game’s launch in 2026.