NBA THE RUN Rebrands From ‘Got Next,’ Launches in 2026
▼ Summary
– NBA THE RUN is a rebranded 3v3 street basketball game launching in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
– The game is developed by Play by Play Studios in partnership with the NBA and NBPA, aiming to create a new global basketball hit.
– It features fast-paced online multiplayer with knockout tournaments on iconic streetball courts worldwide like Venice Beach and The Tenement.
– Gameplay emphasizes fluid, responsive controls with rollback netcode for real-time moves, including offensive tricks and powerful defensive actions.
– NBA THE RUN offers a unique stylized visual experience distinct from other basketball games, focusing on streetball authenticity and individual expression.
Basketball fans can look forward to a fresh streetball experience when NBA THE RUN arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam in 2026. Originally revealed under the name The Run: Got Next in July 2024, the three-on-three game has been officially rebranded through a partnership between developer Play by Play Studios, the NBA, and the NBPA.
Scott Probst, founder and CEO of Play by Play Studios, expressed both excitement and a sense of responsibility. “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,” he stated. “Our partnership with the NBA and 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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Adrienne O’Keeffe, Senior Vice President of NBA Global Partnerships and Media, commented, “We’re always looking for new ways to bring fans closer to the game. 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 game promises to deliver a high-energy, above-the-rim streetball atmosphere. Players will take their favorite NBA stars to iconic courts around the world, stacking wins and building their reputation to become the greatest of all time in THE RUN.
Key features highlighted for the title include a compelling Knockout Tournament mode. Players can choose to compete alone or with a squad, facing the best competition on legendary courts from Venice Beach to The Tenement in the Philippines. The core loop is simple: lock in, win your matches, advance through the bracket, and repeat the process to prove your dominance.
Gameplay is designed to be fast, fluid, and highly responsive. Powered by true rollback netcode, the experience aims to feel instantaneous, allowing for quick decision-making. You can execute a crossover to shake a defender, change a dunk into a layup to avoid a block, or fire off a lob pass from a spin move for a game-winning alley-oop.
While flashy offense is a major draw, the developers emphasize that defense is just as impactful and enjoyable. Game-changing plays like thunderous shot blocks, diving for loose balls, and aggressive steals can swing the momentum of a game and are just as thrilling to pull off.
Finally, the game is being crafted with a distinct visual identity. Described as “streetball with style,” every element is handcrafted and stylized to create a unique look and feel. The developers assert that there isn’t another basketball game on the market that looks, feels, or plays like NBA THE RUN.
An announcement teaser trailer has been released to give a first glimpse of the game’s style, accompanied by a gallery of screenshots for fans to examine.
(Source: Gematsu)
