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Nba 2k23 release date

NBA 2K23 Guide: Release Date, Pricing, Gameplay


The highly anticipated release date for NBA 2K23 has officially been confirmed as September 9th, 2022. Devin Booker has been unveiled as the cover athlete for the standard edition, with Michael Jordan as the cover athlete for special edition versions of the game that include extra features – such as a 12-month subscription to NBA League Pass, and more outlined below.

In this NBA 2K23 Guide

Most recently, NBA 2K23 gameplay details have been revealed alongside the new City with redesigned affiliations, a host of new arenas, and a faster travelling experience. We detailed all the ins and outs of the changes in our gameplay feature article including changes to the MyPlayer builder, badge system, dribbling, dunking, shooting, and AI capabilities. It’s going to be a big year for 2K23 so let’s check out everything you need to know.

Related: We sat down with Josh Giddey to talk about why he’s the sophomore to watch this season.

Nba 2k23 michael jordan cover athlete
Image: NBA 2K

NBA 2K23 Release Date

The release date for the 24th instalment of the best-selling basketball game, NBA 2K23, is confirmed to release on September 9th, 2022.

Since the release of NBA 2K on November 10th 1999, we’ve seen release dates land anywhere between September and November, with last year’s game, NBA 2K22, releasing on September 10th, 2021. The earliest release date for any NBA 2K game was NBA 2K20 that released on September 6th, 2019. Every NBA 2K game since 2K16 has been released during the month of September but with the release of NBA 2K23 on September 9th it means players will have even more time to grind their players, alongside cover athlete Michal Jordan’s ‘Jordan Challenges’.

Nba 2k23 devin booker cover
NBA 2K23 Standard Edition cover (Left) and Digital Edition cover (Right)

NBA 2K23 Cover Athletes

Devin Booker

NBA 2K has confirmed Devin Booker will star as the cover athlete for standard editions of NBA 2K23 across all platforms. The Phoenix Suns shooting guard is a three-time NBA All-Star and was chosen on the 2021-22 Kia All-NBA First Team. His Phoenix Suns look to return next season as one of the favourites to win the NBA Championship.

“It’s a dream come true to see myself on the cover of NBA 2K… I’ve been a huge NBA 2K fan since I was a kid, and it’s surreal to finally join the exclusive club of basketball greats who’ve been cover athletes. I’m also honoured to share this year’s covers with the iconic Michael Jordan, who changed the game for all players who came after him, as well as two of the all-time WNBA GOATs, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, who continue to make a huge impact on the game,” said Devin Booker.

Michael Jordan

It goes without saying that the numbers ’23’ are associated with only one man, ‘His Airness’ Michael Jordan. For the 24th instalment of NBA 2K, Michael Jordan will star again as the cover athlete for two special editions of NBA 2K23. No man embodies this year’s campaign theme ‘Answer the Call’ more than MJ, and the six-time champion will appear on both covers of the NBA 2K23 Michael Jordan Edition and the ultra-premium NBA 2K23 Championship Edition. Neither are available on Nintendo Switch.

“After making 23 the most recognizable number in sports, it was only fitting that for NBA 2K23 we introduce the Michael Jordan Edition,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy for NBA 2K. “Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand new premium edition of the game with the NBA 2K23 Championship Edition, as no other player embodies the word ‘champion’ like Jordan. This limited-edition version will also offer players the opportunity to catch on-court action throughout the season with a 12-month subscription to NBA League Pass included. We look forward to celebrating this game with the community on September 9.”‘

Nba 2k23 player ratings
Image: NBA 2K

NBA 2K23 Player Ratings

NBA 2K has revealed the top player ratings for NBA 2K23 with Giannis Antetokounmpo taking out top honours as the highest-rated player in NBA 2K23 with a 97 overall. The following five players, including Lebron James and Kevin Durant, were all ranked 96 overall. We’ve rounded up all of the player’s ratings, including Australian NBA player ratings, best 3pt shooter ratings, and rookie player ratings in our guide linked below.

Player Ratings List

NBA 2K23 The City

In its final announcement before release, NBA 2K has detailed everything there is to know about the City. Fans will be happy to know that the new city is 30 per cent smaller than before with reduced travel times thanks to a new subway system, and seamless integration of MyCAREER mode by way of a new Arena.

The developers have brought Rec, Pro-am, Ante-up and other multiplayer online game modes into one place with ‘The Block’ as well as introduced a new arcade-style arena called ‘The Theater’ that includes everything from double rep game modes to competitive 3v3 matchups. We’ve detailed all changes to NBA 2K23 ‘The City’ below. Did we mention they’ve completely redesigned every affiliation borough? You better check it out!

The City Guide

NBA 2K23 Game Modes

MyTeam

The full details of NBA 2K23 MyTeam have been revealed, and the biggest news is that contracts are no longer a factor for players to consider. That’s right, contracts have been removed from MyTeam entirely. While that’s been the biggest news to come out of the reveal, a host of game modes, gameplay features, and rewards are set to arrive. This includes a new Triple Threat Online Co-Op mode where players will be able to team up (or play against) friends in a competitive or casual online setting.

Seasons remain, but rewards have been reconfigured with new ways to earn Pink Diamonds, Galaxy Opals, and even Dark Matter players through the Trophy Case. A passive mode called ‘Exhibition’ has also been added and sees cards in your collection travel to countries around the world before returning with rewards. Is this going to be the biggest MyTeam year ever? Check out our guide below and we’ll let you decide.

MyTeam Guide

MyCareer

NBA 2K has detailed the changes for 2K23 MyCareer. This year you’ll be drafted straight into the NBA, but not everyone thinks you’re the superstar your team needs. In a media session with executive producer Erick Boenisch last week, he explained how your player is going to be the most hated in your franchise after the team chose to draft you over a breakout franchise player called Shep.

“They wanted Shep the college star, he’s a flashy athletic guy, he’s charismatic. You’ll find that as soon as you go out into The City, the people of The City wanted Shep, too,” he said.

NBA 2K22 introduced a host of sidequests into the game, however, it wasn’t welcomed by fans, who after grinding through an NBA game then had to skate around The City and complete side quests related to fashion and music. This year’s game keeps those two pillars going and waves goodbye to rapper The Game in favor of J. Cole and his ‘Dreamville’ Records crew, but Boenisch assured the media that the experience would be “much improved from last year.”

Expect to spot a handful of celebrities along the way with hip-hop singer-songwriter and producer J. Cole leading the way, alongside his Dreamville Records label. Boenisch also confirmed that Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett and seven-time all-star Tracy McGrady will show up to mentor your MyPlayer while Kendrick Perkins returns with an even larger role to play in driving the story narrative. The trailer seen above also hints at commentary from ESPN sharpshooter J.J. Redick and cover star Devin Booker.

More information about the NBA 2K23 MyCareer mode can be found via the link below, including a list of the globally renowned artists whose music will be played at launch.

Check it out

The Jordan Challenge

Those who were lucky enough to play 2K11 (we played it on Nintendo Wii, don’t ask) would remember the 10 Jordan Challenges that were some of the most challenging offline games we’ve seen in the 2K franchise. Consequentially, they were also some of the most fun.

All 10 of the original Challenges from NBA 2K11 have been completely rebuilt from the ground up and will make their return this year – alongside five new iconic Jordan moments. The resulting 15 Jordan Challenges will have three goals per game with one star rewarded per goal, unlock 40 stars and you’ll be rewarded with a unique item for MyTeam and MyCareer. The challenges will be accompanied by commentary from NBA legends such as Kareem Abdul Jabar, Jordan’s teammates such as Dennis Rodman, and even coach Phil Jackson.

More details on the authentic changes made to player experience and gameplay can be found in our full breakdown article via the link below.

The Jordan Challenge Guide

MyNBA

The details for NBA 2K23’s ‘MyNBA’ game mode have been announced with era-specific seasons being included for the first time in franchise history. Players will now be able to select from four different eras when starting a new ‘MyNBA’ season, these include.

  • The Magic vs. Bird Era, starts in 1983.
  • The Jordan Era, starts in 1991.
  • The Kobe Era, starts in 2022.
  • The Modern Era, is the current version of MyNBA.

Each game era will be paired with specific commentary, courts, advertising, and rules that are very similar to those discussed in our in-depth ‘The Jordan Challenge’ article above. Most importantly, rosters, teams, and mergers will be automatically updated as your play through the MyNBA seasons (up to 80 seasons). More information on the NBA 2K23 MyNBA game mode can be found in our feature article below.

MyNBA Guide

NBA 2K23 Gameplay

We’ve outlined the gameplay changes of NBA 2K23 in our feature article linked below, but here’s a quick rundown of the biggest changes made to gameplay this year.

What’s shaping up to be more than a simple reset of NBA 2K22, the developers have gone all out and completely reworked key aspects of the game. These include the badge system, pro stick controls (now with double throws) and defense with improved shot contests and a new shot blocking mechanic with better targeting. Controllable rim hands have also been added into the game and can be modified with the left stick and further with the right stick to pull your player up on the ring.

The developers have also added more realistic dunk animations for players such as Ja Morant and more than twice the number of jump shot animations. These new jump animations will lead to one of the biggest changes each individual jump shot will now have its own unique shooting stats – Mike Wang has detailed pre-imminent details of what they might look like in a document linked here. In terms of custom jump shots, he says “the custom shot you create will generate attributes and a shot rating requirement based on the components you use to build the shot.”

The Gameplay Trailer

We’ve rounded up a list of things you might’ve missed from the gameplay trailer below.

  • Layups appear to be improved (still a rumour), although the animations appear to be the same as in 2K22.
  • Improved bench celebrations, far more realistic and better for MyCareer.
  • New face scans for Lebron James, Devin Booker, and Ime Udoka (coach).
  • New hairstyle for Dillion Brooks, Wesley Matthews, Jordan Poole, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Anthony Edwards.
  • New halftime show, the Jabbawockeez are seen performing at halftime.
  • New Nike sneakers including Kobe 4 and 5 with Devin Booker’s “Be Legendary’ marker on the toebox.
  • New ‘flopping’ animation is seen on PJ Tucker as he guards Giannis’ drive to the paint.
  • Ja Morant gets his signature contact dunk (maybe more?), including enhanced camera flashes.
  • Jordan Poole gets a new face scan, it’s the first time we’ve seen the ‘tongue out’ celebration outside of Michal Jordan.
  • Steph Curry gets a new jump shot celebration (legs spread), and the ‘night night’ celebration is added.
  • The ‘Griddy’ celebration is added to the game, seen on Ja Morant in the gameplay trailer.

At the end of the trailer, we also see that PS5 users will be given access to exclusive MyTeam Challenges. The fine print confirms that these will be available every season through September 1, 2023. Notice anything else in the gameplay trailer? Let us know.

More details on NBA 2K23 gameplay can be found in the article below.

NBA 2K23 Gameplay Guide

NBA 2K23 Price Guide and Editions

Pricing has been revealed for NBA 2K23 ‘Championship Edition’ and ‘Michael Jordan Edition’ with the most expensive ‘Championship Edition’ version of the game costing $240 AUD and offering a competitive advantage of 10% XP Boost on MyTEAM and MyCAREER Season Progression. The price for the standard edition of the game is yet to be revealed.

Championship Edition

The Championship Edition of NBA 2K23 will cost $240 AUD and include the following;

  • NBA 2K23 full game
  • 12-Month NBA League Pass subscription
  • In-Game Michael Jordan-Themed Go-Kart
  • 10% XP Boost on MyTEAM and MyCAREER Season Progression
  • Dual-Gen entitlement (same console family)
  • 100K Virtual Currency
  • 10K MyTEAM Points
  • 10 MyTEAM Tokens
  • Ruby Michael Jordan MyTEAM Cards
  • 23 MyTEAM Promo Packs (Receive 10 at launch plus an Amethyst topper pack, then 2 per week for 6 weeks)
  • Free Agent Option MyTEAM Pack
  • Diamond Jordan Shoe MyTEAM card
  • Ruby Coach Card MyTEAM Pack
  • 10 Boosts for each MyCAREER Skill Boost type
  • 10 Boosts for each Gatorade Boost type
  • 4 Cover Athlete T-Shirts for your MyPLAYER
  • MyPLAYER backpack and arm sleeve
  • Custom-design skateboard for MyPLAYER
  • One 2-Hr Double XP Coin

Michael Jordan Edition

The Michael Jordan Edition of NBA 2K23 will cost $149.95 AUD and include the following;

  • NBA 2K23 full game
  • Dual-Gen entitlement (same console family)
  • 100K Virtual Currency
  • 10K MyTEAM Points
  • 10 MyTEAM Tokens
  • Ruby Michael Jordan MyTEAM Cards
  • 23 MyTEAM Promo Packs (Receive 10 at launch plus an Amethyst topper pack, then 2 per week for 6 weeks)
  • Free Agent Option MyTEAM Pack
  • Diamond Jordan Shoe MyTEAM card
  • Ruby Coach Card MyTEAM Pack
  • 10 Boosts for each MyCAREER Skill Boost type
  • 10 Boosts for each Gatorade Boost type
  • 4 Cover Athlete T-Shirts for your MyPLAYER
  • MyPLAYER backpack and arm sleeve
  • Custom-design skateboard for MyPLAYER
  • One 2-Hr Double XP Coin

Digital Deluxe Edition

The NBA 2K23 Digital Deluxe Edition will cost $129.95 AUD and offers cross-platform play with extra including;

  • 10K MyTEAM Points
  • 10 MyTEAM Tokens
  • 23 MyTEAM Promo Packs
  • MYTEAM Cover Star Players: Sapphire Devin Booker, Ruby Michael Jordan
  • Free Agent Option Pack
  • 1 Diamond Jordan Shoe (non-auctionable)
  • 1 Ruby Coach Card Pack
  • 10x 6 types of MyCAREER Skill Boosts
  • 10x 3 types of Gatorade Boosts
  • 2-hour Double XP Coin
  • 4x MyCAREER T-Shirts, Backpack, Cover Star Skateboard, and Arm Sleeves.

Standard Edition

The NBA 2k23 Standard Edition will cost $99.95 AUD for Playstation 4 and Xbox One, and $119.95 AUD on Playstation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. No extras are included in this version of the game.

NBA 2K23 Pre Order

Pre-orders for NBA 2K23 are currently live through all major gaming retailers in Australia, such as EB Games, JB Hi-Fi, Big W, and The Gamesmen.

Bonus content for Pre-order versions of the game can vary between retailers, however, the following is outlined by EB Games.

  • 5K Virtual Currency
  • 5K MyTEAM Points
  • 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (delivered one a week)
  • A Boost for each MyCAREER Skill type
  • A Boost for each Gatorade Boost type
  • EB EXCLUSIVE 2,000 Virtual Currency
  • EB EXCLUSIVE 95-Rated Nikola Jokic
  • EB EXCLUSIVE New Era Hat for MyCAREER

Preorders are open for all consoles, including Playstation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.

EB Games JB Hi-Fi Big W The Gamesmen

NBA 2K23 Player Builder

Pie charts are gone for Current Gen players who will now get access to the Next Gen systems Player Builder. Outside of this change 2K hasn’t outlined the specific changes, it’s made to the build system, however, they’ve stated that the main goals for the Player Builder were “refinement, polish, and balance.” Once again ensuring us that all builds will be balanced and fair regardless of size, position, or skillset.

We’re also glad to say that animation purchases will now be account-based rather than bound to one save file. Some will remember the famous glitches of old games where 6’10” Point Forwards ruled the park with glitched dunks, but 2K have handled this by limiting animation sharing based on animation requirements (stat and height based as usual). Think of it like clothing from 2K22.

No information has been provided on the cost of maxing out a build on NBA 2K23.

Nba 2k23 devin booker
Image: NBA 2K

NBA 2K23 Badges

The whole badge system has been re-worked for NBA 2K23 on New Gen consoles with players now earning badges through progressive tiers. In a bid to turn down the badge stacking that happened in NBA 2K22 (e.g. Play Shots with 10 HOF shooting) the developers have moved to a tiered badge system. We explain what this is below.

What’s the New Gen Badge System?

To break it down in laymen’s terms there are 16 badges per attribute category:

  • Eight in Tier 1.
  • Four in Tier 2.
  • Four in Tier 3.

Tier 1 badges are the least powerful and also cost the least amount of badge points. And as you can imagine, the price of badges goes up as the badges become more powerful e.g. you’ll need to equip a certain number of badges in the lower tiers before you can equip badges in the highest.

Core badges have also been added to NBA 2K23, which are four unique badge slots (one in each attribute category) that can be filled with badges that don’t count toward your overall badge points. These are earned through challenges, although the where or what these challenges are haven’t been highlighted by 2K at the time of writing. Ultimately, these will be the most important badges to pick, so choose wisely!

Nba 2k23 gameplay
Image: NBA 2K

What Badges Are There in NBA 2K23?

NBA 2K23 will have a range of new badges, with most of them seemingly receiving a name change. The company has outlined the layout of the new badges and we’ve detailed them below.

Finishing Badges in NBA 2K23

  • Slithery – Makes it easier to gather through traffic, avoiding collisions and strips.
  • Masher – Increases ability to finish inside layups over defenders.
  • Aerial Wizard – Ability to successfully complete alley-oops and putbacks.
  • Bully – Like Giannis and LeBron, able to finish strong by bulldozing through traffic.

Removed: Hook Specialist

Shooting Badges in NBA 2K23

  • Agent 3 – Ability to hit difficult 3-point shots off the dribble.
  • Middy Magician – Improved ability to knock down mid-range jumpers off the bounce or out of the post like MJ.
  • Amped – Reduces the shooting attribute penalties when fatigued and when moving excessively prior to shooting.
  • Claymore – Increases a spot-up shooter’s ability to knock down catch and shoot jumpers the longer they remain stationary prior to shooting.
  • Comeback Kid – Improved ability to shoot perimeter jumpers when trailing in a game.
  • Hand Down Man Down – This badge makes an outside shooter even deadlier if the opponent fails to get a hand in the face.
  • Space Creator – Formerly a Playmaking badge, it now boosts the ability to hit stepback jumpers and hop shots, and also will cause defenders to stumble more often.
  • Limitless Range – An old favourite returns, making shooters more effective with any shot attempt from deep 3PT range.

Removed: Chef, Hot Zone Hunter, Lucky #7, Mismatch Expert (moved to playmaking), Set Shooter, Sniper, and Limitless Spot-Up

Playmaking Badges in NBA 2K23

  • Killer Combos – Improves a dribbler’s effectiveness with size-up dribble moves (combination of Quick Chain and Tight Handles).
  • Clamp Breaker – Helps ball handlers win more 1-on-1 body bump confrontations (the counter to Clamps).
  • Vice Grip – Improves ball security immediately after securing a rebound, catch, or picking up the ball.
  • Mismatch Expert – Once a shooting badge, this badge now helps smaller guards break down taller defenders when mismatched 1-on-1

Removed: Bullet Passer, Downhill, Glue Hands, Stop & Go

Defense and Rebounding Badges in NBA 2K23

  • Anchor – A crucial badge for the last line of defense bigs, improves the ability to block and contest shots in the paint
  • Boxout Beast – Helps rebounders win boxout battles on both offensive and defensive rebounding situations
  • Work Horse – The Pat Bev badge that boosts your ability to hustle down 50/50 balls and play hard-nosed defense without getting tired
  • Glove – Named after Gary Payton, helps you strip players as they gather for shots and poke the ball free from ball handlers
  • Challenger – Improves the effectiveness of perimeter shot contests

Removed: Defensive Leader

Has Takeover Changed?

Primary and secondary takeovers remain the same as 2K22.

For NBA 2K23, the whole team will share the same meter. This results in every individual player having to earn an equal portion of the takeover bar – so think about that lockdown in the corner on offence, how are you going to get that player some points on the offensive end? We tend to like the new version of Takeover, however, we’ll reserve final judgement to gameplay review.

Nba 2k23 dunking
Image: NBA 2K

NBA 2K23 Gameplay

What Changes Have Been Made to Offense?

Prostick

The most notable change to gameplay includes double throws for pro stick control. NBA 2K describes this as “flicking the Pro Stick in a direction, letting it go back to centre, and then quickly moving the Pro Stick back in the same direction,” and switchbacks which is described as “flicking the Pro Stick in a direction, letting it centre, and then quickly moving the Pro Stick in the opposite direction.”

These moves will become mandatory for smaller gaurds with quick scoop layups being implemented for the first time. Euro step and hop step layups will utilise these functions. New layup animations have been included from players such as Devin Booker, Joel Embiid, Allen Iverson, Magic Johnson, Nikola Jokic, Zach LaVine, Ja Morant, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and more.

Dunking

Forced metered dunks return for NBA 2K23 but the new commands are said to expand the dunking controls and let you dunk exactly how you want without accidentally firing off a skill dunk you weren’t expecting. How many times have you been blocked on an accidental windmill dunk with the game on the line? Yeah… at least it sounds like it’s fixed.

When driving to the basket with the Sprint trigger held, NBA 2K says the new Pro Stick control map for dunks are as follows:

  • UP = Two-Hand
  • RIGHT = Strong Hand
  • LEFT = Weak Hand
  • DOWN = Rim Hang
  • UP-UP = Flashy Two-Hand
  • DOWN-UP = Flashy One-Hand
  • UP-DOWN = Normal Skill Dunk with meter
  • DOWN-DOWN = Rim Hang Skill Dunk with meter

Controllable rim hangs have also been added into the game for Next Gen. This is achieved by holding the sprint trigger after a dunk and can be modified with the left stick and further with the right stick to pull your player up on the ring. We reckon this sounds like some serious fun for the park, however, could be a sure-fire way for a technical foul in MyCareer or ProAm.

Shooting

  • More than twice the number of shot animations have been added.
  • Five new shot meters to choose from, with each filling to the end (17-20 style).
  • Shot arcs will tell you if your release is off – early (high arc), late (flat arc), or on time (ideal arc).
  • With Shot Feedback enabled, green animations won’t signal until the ball hits the basket.
  • If you press and hold B/CIRCLE, the receiver pointed with the left stick will perform a quick V or flare cut to get open on the perimeter.

Dribbling

Switchback gestures will now perform dedicated signature double cross and hesitation cross combo moves that you can assign as part of the Moving Crossover signature package – which has grown from 15 options to 28. The brand has also said that “Energy will deplete much quicker when spamming too many moves together, so it’s important to be efficient and not ‘play with your food’ too long.” We’re not sure how true this will be in practice as every game has either increased fatigue or lowered it in the past to find a balance point.

An adrenaline boost has been included with three small bars under the player to prevent overdribbling.

Nba 2k23 devin booker 2
Image: NBA 2K

What Changes Have Been Made to Defense?

One of the biggest changes made to the game includes a new shade meter for defenders. To break it down for you, three bars on the indicator represent three zones: Straight up, Shade left, Shade right, and the zone the defender is shown in red. If the ball handler attempts to attack a red lane, they’ll get cut off, lose their dribble, or fumble the ball. Sound OP? That’s probably because it will be and true on-ball defenders will have a field day with this in the new game. This also works in the post.

Strides have been made for shot blocking with improved block targeting. Shorter guards will no longer be able to replicate Lebron’s championship-sealing block of Andre Igoudala either… thank god.

Ball security for quality dunkers has also been improved, leaning on Takeover for those massive poster dunks and rewarding smarter dunks in other situations. Shorter players with fast hands will also be rewarded with more steals on the ball, but failed stripped ball animations have also been included for bad swipes at the ball on layups and dunks. Finally, out-of-bounds line saves have been made more realistic.

That’s it for NBA 2K23 gameplay changes for now, but we can’t wait to bring you our thoughts on gameplay once we take the game for a spin ourselves.

NBA 2K23 ‘MyNBA’ Game Play Features

New Courts and Uniforms

We’re guilty of simulating to the playoffs in the vast majority of our MyNBA save files but that’s all set to change. The development team has reworked the courts for realism and encourages players to stick around and build the team throughout the 82-game season. Every team has at least one unique floor per Era, with a few teams getting more if they had a big rebranding or relocation; approximately 100 new floors in total across all Eras.

Just like ‘The Jordan Challenge’ all of the partner’s sponsor logos have been replaced by actual logos and brand markings they used in the 1980s, ’90s, and 2000s. The same era-specific filter system has been applied to the camera and the broadcast layout, scoreboards, and lettering will be incorporated.

Uniforms have also been accurately paired with each team, pulling from the archives of MyTEAM.

Commentary

To add to the authenticity, new commentators have been added and pulled from the archives for specific eras.

  • 1983-2002 commentary booth will consist of Kevin Harlan, Clark Kellogg, and new addition Mike Fratello.
  • 2002-2020, Fratello steps aside and Greg Anthony arrives to provide a more current flavour to the evolving booth.
  • 2021-onwards, the full multi-team commentary booth with additional sideline reports, and guest commentators.

Almost everything that ‘The Jordan Challenge’ finds its way into the MyNBA game mode, including hand checking, zone rules, tendencies, authentic playbooks, transition gameplay, finances, division realignment, length of shorts, All-Star Game Jerseys, referee evolution, and social media.

Lakers vs boston
Image: NBA 2K

NBA 2K23 ‘MyNBA’ Era’s

“Pick your era and go” – is how the development team designed the latest NBA 2K23 game mode, but they haven’t forgotten about the power users who want to tweak their settings to make things harder or easier. We’ve broken down all the era’s in the NBA 2K23 MyNBA game mode to make things easier.

Nba 2k23 mynba magic vs bird
Image: NBA 2K

The Magic vs. Bird Era

The Lakers and Celtics accounted for 65% of the teams in the Finals in the 1980s, and the clashes between Bird and Magic are the stuff of legend so it only makes sense that the first and oldest era to choose from is Magic vs. Bird. In this game mode, you’ll be starting from 1983 – one year before the 1984 draft class that included names such as Michael Jordan – yep, that guy.

As you progress through the years you’ll have the choice between community created draft-classes or 2K year-appropriate classes. Missed out on Jordan, try your luck at tanking for Patrick Ewing in 1985.

Nba 2k23 mynba jordan era
Image: NBA 2K

The Jordan Era

The Jordan Era starts at the begging of MJ’s run with the Chicago Bulls in 1991 and brings your straight into the action against superstars like Isiah Thomas’ Bad Boys Pistons, Stockton and Malone, Hakeem’s Rockets, and Ewing’s Knicks. This mode asks the biggest question of all time, “would MJ have gone for more than a three-peat if he didn’t want to play baseball?” You’ll just have to find out for yourself.

None other than Shaq enters the draft in 1994 so be on the lookout for him if you need a superstar to pair with MJ.

Nba 2k23 mynba kobe era
Image: NBA 2K

The Kobe Era

The Kobe Era starts in 2002, a couple of years after his first championship and just a few years before some big names entered the league – LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh – to name just a few. This era asks the question “Could Kobe and Shaq have won a few more rings together is emotions didn’t get in the way?”

NBA 2K23 MyTeam Game Modes

Triple Threat Online: Co-Op

The biggest change to NBA 2K23 MyTeam game modes is the addition of co-op Triple Threat Online gameplay. We like to think of this game mode as a pseudo ‘park’ for MyTeam players who want to team up with their friends. The game mode features a redesigned court and supports any combination of two to six players in first-time-ever player-locked gameplay in MyTEAM.

Party Mode brings up a team vs. team situation with you against your friend, and if you’re down a friend or two, the AI will fill out any empty slots.

Co-Op Mode on the other hand will see you and your friends join together and team up and take on some AI opponents on your way to climbing up your individual reward ladders for the Season – similar to single-player triple threat offline.

Competition Mode brings your team online against other teams of three and offers better rewards in the form of MyTEAM Points, Tokens, Packs, and a special Takeover Reward Player.

Clutch Time Single Player

Clutch Time single player is basically what it says on the packet. A single-player version of the great Clutch Time game mode that was added in NBA 2K22. Gameplay remains fast-paced, with a single five-minute quarter, a 4-point line, sudden death overtime, and a 14-second shot clock.

Related: NBA 2K22 Review: The Best in Franchise History

Nba 2k23 myteam on court look
Image: NBA 2K

Returning NBA 2K23 Game Mode Changes

These are all the changes made to the returning NBA 2K23 MyTeam game modes.

Single Player Triple Threat

Triple Threat win rewards will now refresh with every Season, this is great news for those who take a season off to focus on Unlimited and online game modes. The Vault returns for the new game.

Domination

Domination tiers return with five sets of 33 games that are now judged based on how many points you beat the opponent by. Completing each tier will get you player rewards, starting with Amethyst Julius Randle, Diamond Mitch Richmond, Diamond Mike Bibby, Diamond Bill Walton, and Pink Diamond John Havlicek as the final reward of each tier out of the gate.

Nba 2k23 myteam lineup editor
Image: NBA 2K

Challenges

Challenges return with a new lineup helper to make picking easier.

The first challenge of the season will feature Michael Jordan, defeat his starting five and you’ll be rewarded with a Diamond Jordan Shoe Colorway, shoe boosts, and a Hall of Fame badge. Next-gen players will also have exclusive Activity Challenges that will include games where you face off against Michael Jordan’s greatest teams. In Season 1, you’ll be facing his Rookie Bulls squad, win and you’ll be rewarded with an exclusive Diamond Jordan I colourway card and shoe boosts to fill it out in the MT Shoe Lab.

Limited

Lineup helper will also apply to the Limited game mode that’s been extended to more unique lineups. Most importantly, you can now earn every ring prize in a season so there’s no more waiting until the end to get your Seasonal reward.

Draft

Draft mode returns with an improvised ticketing system that sees MyTeam points become usable if a player runs out of tickets. There’s also been a change to lineups, where after you draft your lineup you’ll now be able to edit your starting lineup to adjust to your playing style, rather than being forced into the best fit to your drafted coach’s system.

Each Draft Kit comes with an exclusive Ascension board that includes the weekly Takeover reward player as the grand prize at the top of the tower.

Related: NBA 2K23 ‘MyNBA’ Answers the NBA’s Biggest “What If” Questions

Nba 2k23 myteam player lock
Image: NBA 2K

New Features in NBA 2K23 MyTeam

Control Lock to Any Position

You can now control lock to any position on the court for the duration of the game in any MyTeam game mode. While we’re not sure what advantage that would bring in online game modes, the ability to grind offline challenges while sitting in the paint, corner, or running point guard will make a big difference.

Nba 2k23 myteam unlimited leaderboard example
Image: NBA 2K

Unlimited is Now a Leaderboard

Unlimited will now see Season Points added with records being thrown to the wind in favour of rankings. Earn enough points and your rank will climb tiers where you will receive rewards for each, the Dark Matter tier will be the top for the casual player, but a ‘Prestige Tier’ has been added for those who spend a lot of time in this game mode and will unlock even more rewards. A vault will be opened after every win.

The leaderboard returns to MyTeam with new icons to show your place in the Top 10 or have completed any special achievements such as ‘Prestige Tier’. Each Season will reset the leaderboard and progression, giving everyone equal ground to climb to the top.

Nba 2k23 myteam exhibition
Image: NBA 2K

Exhibition Missions

NBA 2K23 MyTeam is including a new exhibitions game mode that will make use of the players that sit in your collection but are never used for games. You can now send your Player Cards out on an Exhibition Mission around the globe where the player visits Honolulu, Rio de Janeiro, or Paris before returning with a special reward from their mission.

This is an excellent new passive way to improve your lineup and collection, but we do fear this will artificially inflate the prices of certain cards on the card market to it’s worth checking before quick selling any players this year.

Nba 2k23 myteam trophy case
Image: NBA 2K

Trophy Case Collections

One of the easiest ways to earn Pink Diamond cards in NBA 2K23 MyTeam is by completing the new Trophy Cases. These cases hold 15 Event Cards for each NBA franchise, showcasing key moments of their history. Your task is to complete these collections for the reward of a Pink Diamond player for each team, collecting 5 from a division will unlock a Galaxy Opal reward player. Complete a conference and then the NBA collection to unlock three 99 OVR Dark Matter players.

Nba 2k23 myteam roster
Image: NBA 2K

Other Notable Additions

  • 2023 NBA: Series 1 collection players will launch on the Token Market.
  • Defensive settings can now be saved.
  • Agenda tracking in the pause menu.
  • 75 collector-level rewards.
  • Triple threat online “The 100” has been removed in favour of 10-game or 3-loss.
  • Card grading returns with a subtle appearance.
  • The MyTeam Unlimited $250,000 tournament is set to return.
  • Current Gen will now compete on Triple Threat courts based on New Gen’s Pink Diamond Plaza courts.
  • The penthouse court used in Single Player Triple Threat has a new night variant.
  • New Gen players will now be able to set matchups and change key defensive settings On-The-Fly during Triple Threat games.
  • The era-style cinema camera featured in the Jordan Challenge will be enabled in Domination games.

Related: NBA 2K23 ‘The Jordan Challenge’ Relives MJs Best Games

Nba 2k23 myteam starter players
Image: NBA 2K

NBA 2K23 MyTeam New Rewards

After selecting your starter player, get stuck into a few games offline and work your way towards 10 games in any MyTEAM mode and earn a 90 OVR Amethyst SG/SF Fred Jones. Once your teams are built, you’ll be ready to unlock a few more rewards

NBA 2K23 FAQ

What was the NBA 2K23 release date?

NBA 2K23 officially released on September 9th, 2022

Will NBA 2K23 Jordan Challenges be playable on the standard edition?

NBA 2K23 Jordan Challenges are playable on the standard edition of the game as they’re game modes and not exclusive to the ‘Championship Edition’.