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NBA The Run Brings Streetball Back to Life
Play by Play Studios has officially teamed up with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to announce NBA The Run. This 3v3 street basketball game fuses arcade flair with professional star power.
The title is set to release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, featuring full cross-play support.
Unlike traditional simulation-style titles, this game focuses on high-flying, fast-paced streetball action, complete with above-the-rim dunks, stylish tricks, and lightning-quick gameplay. Players can compete solo or in squads across iconic urban courts from around the world.
A Celebration of Streetball Culture
Set on legendary playgrounds like Venice Beach in California and The Tenement in Taguig, Philippines, NBA The Run blends real-world authenticity with stylised gameplay. The game features both current NBA stars and fictional streetball legends, each rendered with hand-keyed animations for a more dynamic and handcrafted feel.
Players can join Knockout Tournaments, rising through the ranks to become the GOAT of The Run. Thanks to rollback netcode, Play by Play Studios promises smooth, low-latency multiplayer across all platforms — ensuring that every dunk, block, and cross-up feels instantaneous.
The in-game action will also be narrated by Bobbito Garcia, the iconic DJ, author, and streetball commentator known for his charismatic voice and cultural influence.
Developers Promise a New Era for Basketball Games
“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,” said Scott Probst, Founder and CEO of Play by Play Studios. “Our partnership with the NBA and NBPA takes us to a whole new level. We’re a small, scrappy team, but relentless about creating something fresh and unforgettable for hoops fans everywhere.”
Both the NBA and NBPA expressed their enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to reignite fans’ passion for the sport through a modern, global take on classic streetball.
“NBA The Run provides fans with new ways to express their passion for basketball,” said Adrienne O’Keeffe, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships & Media at the NBA. “We’re thrilled to be working with the Play by Play team to bring it to market.”
“NBA The Run captures the spirit of the video game classics that inspired generations to fall in love with basketball,” added Nikki Pozzi, Vice President of Licensing at THNK450, the NBPA’s partnership and innovation division.
Launching in 2026 with Playtesting Opportunities
NBA The Run is slated for launch in 2026, with players able to sign up for upcoming playtests via the official website.
With its mix of real-world NBA stars, stylised playground action, and international flair, this new kid on the block looks to revive the streetball energy of classic basketball titles for a new generation of players.
