The WNBA Gets A Larger Spotlight In NBA 2K27

NBA 2K27 is adding some interesting system advancements, overhauls, and introducing new elements. But what stands out from the gameplay reveal is that 2K Sports is investing even more heavily in how it represents the WNBA. With Caitlin Clark on the cover of the Deluxe Edition, it seems only fitting that NBA 2K27 will expand its existing systems to include more athletes. Which means there is a lot to expect from MyWNBA and The W in NBA 2K27.  

But this isn’t new. For the last two games, NBA 2K has expanded its rosters and invested in game-development tech to get the women on the court as close to accurate as possible with the men’s teams. I mean, the eyelash tech used for Angel Reese’s killer look alone showed care. And now, it’s in the systems. 

The WNBA’s integration into MyTEAM in NBA 2K26, position locking play put even the tallest of the WNBA’s athletes against players like Wemby, resulting in little to no incentive to use them. About the approach to integrating both arms of the professional basketball league into NBA 2K in last year’s game, we said, “It is nice to see WNBA players given the respect they deserve, but it is hard to see how 2K can nail the balance to incentivize using them in the game, given the drawbacks.”

Now, it seems like that has been heard with new progression rollouts and having other modes mirror the systems available for NBA players. Both The W and MyWNBA are getting a facelift, and now, players will be able to jump into co-ed pick-up games in The City. As the league is quickly growing, it’s only fair that the defining basketball game meets it. 

What is new for The W in NBA 2K27

Progression Changes

Only available in The W, NBA 2K27 is the first time that a new Build-as-You-Go progression model is being put into place. To let players play how they want and showcase development on the court, users can now remove attributes and reapply them elsewhere, giving players the flexibility to evolve their game. 

But that’s not the only change to attributes. Now, the Game Attribute System is dictated by physical attributes that directly determine maximum attribute caps. Height, weight, the works, just like with male players.

Team Badges and Teammate Badges

Additionally, The W will feature all-new Team Badges and Teammate Badges added to facilitate and emphasize the importance of on-court chemistry. The W in NBA 2K27 features five Team Badges and 12 Teammate Badges, which lead to two distinct upgrade paths as players progress.

Play-Calling and PlayVision

The last big change to gameplay is Play-Calling and PlayVision, and The W is a mode built to explore those changes. As players complete in-game challenges and earn the coaching staff’s trust, they will evolve from not being able to read the court to calling quick plays, then complex player-specific sets, and ultimately gain greater control of the offense.

Built to gradually unlock as a part of a player’s progress, you will be able to access opponent-specific game plans immediately, and complete season-long challenges to unlock new Team Badge slots.

MyWNBA in NBA 2K27

First introduced in NBA 2K20, MyWNBA gets more depth this edition. Designed to mirror MyNBA, the MyWNBA mode integrates every feature, adjustable simulation, and franchise-altering mechanic available in MyNBA into the WNBA experience. This improvement brings more parity across players who choose to play through an NBA franchise and a WNBA one. 

While Play-Calling improvements help on the court, the back office is also getting more depth. Now, GMs can execute multi-team blockbuster trades with the new four-team trade expansion, and of course draft generational talent. 

The City in NBA 2K27

The City has been a sports-game-defining mode, with games like EA Sports FC 27 looking to compete with its new introduction of The Grounds. In this mode, players are able to explore an open world, complete challenges, play pick-up games, and even get into some fierce tournament competition. And now, women are there too!

As NBA 2K has invested more in letting players step into the shoes of female athletes like their male counterparts, The City has been one way. You make a male athlete, and you have fun. Now, everyone is represented with The City going co-ed for the first time in its history by allowing male and female MyPLAYERs to compete together within the City.

Other The City updates also include:

• The REC will now have five rotating venues to add more variety. The Theater shifts to an outdoor city block, and Ante-Up moves to a rooftop court. Seasonal Parks feature four brand-new locations alongside remasters of classic 2K17 parks.
• NBA 2K27 introduces the brand-new Crew HQ, which gives squads a dedicated home base for practice, ranked competition, private games, Crew progression, and seasonal tournaments.
• The all-new companion app enables mobile MyPLAYER creation and new build creation from anywhere. Players can upload their builds directly to their home setup and easily share them with friends through QR codes or links with ease.
• Players will also battle 39 skill-matched players daily for exclusive Rivals Ticket swag, and flex their accomplishments across all modes with 300 unlockable Player Medals and double the REP rewards.
• Casual Corner is a rookie-friendly hub that offers 3v3 and 5v5 games with skill-tiered matchmaking and PVE-to-PVP progression.

What are the pre-order bonuses?

With the announcement of the cover athletes, NBA 2K27 also announced that it is now available for pre-order on PS5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC, and to wishlist on Nintendo Switch 2.

The three editions of the game include:

Standard Edition – $69.99 

• Cover Athlete: Victor Wembanyama
• Base Game
• Access begins September 4, 2026

Deluxe Edition – $99.99

• Cover Athlete: Caitlin Clark
• 100,000 VC
• MyCAREER content (25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts, 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts, Victor Wembanyama Jersey, Caitlin Clark Jersey, and a 2HR 2XP Coin (MyCAREER))
• MyTEAM content: Full ’27: Series 1 Team Selection, Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack, 5x ’27: Series 1 Packs, and a 2HR 2XP Coin (MyTEAM))
• Includes Early Access starting on August 28, 2026, up to one week before worldwide release.

Ultra Edition – $149.99

• Limited availability through September 6, 2026:
• Cover Athlete: Derrick Rose
• Everything in the Deluxe Edition
• 35,000 VC
• Season 1 Pro Pass
• Summer Season Pass Pro Pass Bundle (Seasons 7–9 Pro Pass, releasing in Summer 2027)
• Roses Oversize Hoodie in MyCAREER
• Premium SKU MyTEAM Player Cards, which includes a guaranteed 98 OVR card (December 2026) and a guaranteed Invincible card  (May 2027).
• NBA 2K26 players who pre-order NBA 2K27 Ultra Edition on the same platform will receive a 10% discount
• Includes Early Access beginning August 28, 2026, up to one week before worldwide release.

What is the release date?

NBA 2K27 launches September 4 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. Deluxe Edition or Ultra Edition owners won’t have to wait long, as Early Access begins on Friday, August 28, 2026.