Basketball fans have a new arcade-style experience to look forward to this summer, as NBA THE RUN is officially set to launch in June 2026 for Xbox.
Developed by Play by Play Studios in partnership with the NBA and NBPA, NBA THE RUN promises fast-paced 3v3 streetball gameplay inspired by the golden era of sports games, while delivering a modern online multiplayer experience.
Fast-Paced 3v3 Streetball Action
NBA THE RUN focuses on explosive, above-the-rim basketball with high-energy gameplay featuring:
- Posterising dunks
- Lockdown defense
- Ankle-breaking dribble moves
- Alley-oops and fast breaks
- Fluid arcade-style action
The newly released gameplay trailer showcases stylized courts, flashy animations, and a competitive online format built for quick matches and intense moments.
Closed Beta Playtest Starts May 1
Players won’t have to wait long to try it for themselves.
The first closed beta playtest takes place on Friday, May 1, 2026, exclusively on Steam, running from:
12 PM PDT – 3 PM PDT
Sign-ups are open now for anyone wanting early access and a chance to experience the game before launch.
Run the World Tournament Mode
At the core of NBA THE RUN is the Run the World Tournament, a four-round knockout competition where teams of three battle on iconic streetball courts around the globe.
Each tournament ends with a championship showdown on one of four special finals courts, where players compete for the Run the World trophy and ultimate bragging rights.
Three Launch Modes Confirmed
NBA THE RUN will launch with three main game modes:
Knockout Squads
Team up in a squad of three. Control one player while joining friends or online teammates to take on rival teams.
Knockout Solos
Build and control your own team of three players, competing against other solo players and their squads.
Knockout Friends
Create private tournaments with friends. Play solo against AI, team up cooperatively, or host head-to-head matches with invited players. Supports up to 48 players at launch.
30+ NBA Stars and Streetball Legends
At launch, players can choose from 30+ NBA stars alongside five original streetball legends, each featuring unique playstyles and stylized character designs.
The game aims to combine recognizable NBA talent with streetball culture, giving every match a fresh and energetic feel.
Built for Competitive Online Play
NBA THE RUN uses rollback netcode, designed to deliver smooth and responsive online matches. This technology helps keep gameplay synchronized during high-speed moments such as crossovers, loose-ball dives, and alley-oops.