Join the NBA THE RUN Playtest on May 16
Play by Play Studios, alongside the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, has confirmed that NBA THE RUN will launch on June 9, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The studio brings a fast, arcade-style 3v3 streetball experience that blends real NBA stars with bold, stylized gameplay.
Additionally, the developers will host a limited Steam playtest on May 16, giving players an early look at the action. This session introduces Spin Cycle, an original streetball legend, and showcases Knockout Solos, a mode where players control an entire team of three instead of a single athlete.
At launch, players can choose between two editions. The Standard Edition costs $29.99, while the Deluxe Edition costs $39.99 and adds extra content. It includes rookie versions of Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and Kevin Durant, along with in-game currency that unlocks cosmetics like jerseys, animations, and emotes.
The game centers on the “Run the World” Tournament, where teams compete in a four-round knockout format across global street courts. Each run ends in a showdown for the championship title. Players can also jump into three main modes at launch: Knockout Squads, Knockout Solos, and Knockout Friends, which supports private tournaments with friends or AI opponents.
The roster features more than 30 NBA players and several original streetball characters, each with unique playstyles. The game uses rollback netcode to keep matches smooth and responsive, ensuring every move syncs in real time.
As the first project from Play by Play Studios, NBA THE RUN channels the energy of classic sports games while delivering a modern, competitive experience. It looks set to bring a fresh, high-speed spin to basketball when it arrives this June.