If you are a gamer of a certain age and were into sports, some of your fondest childhood memories probably revolve around pick up games and games like NBA Jam or NBA Street. Play By Play Studios is looking to recapture that magic with their newly announced NBA The Run.
NBA The Run is a 3 vs 3 street basketball game that is designed to be fast paced with a unique style. It is being developed with the NBA and NBAPA which means you will be able to play as many of your favorite NBA players to break ankles and posterize players with massive dunks.
Players will be able to take to the court in a solo mode or in squads. Both modes will feature a knockout tournament style of progression on some of the worlds most legendary street courts. Some of the courts include Venice Beach and The Tenement in Taguig, Philippines.
Make your way through the tournament and become the GOAT of The Run. Play By Play has ensured there will be smooth gameplay should you decide to face off with others online using their “true rollback netcode system”.
The legendary Bobbito Garcia will be announcing the games, bringing even more nostalgia to the game. He of course is most known for doing the NBA Street 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. Our partnership with the NBA & NBPA takes us to a whole new level and we’re beyond excited about the collaboration and the potential of NBA THE RUN.” Said Scott Probst, Founder & CEO of Play by Play Studios. “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.”
Taking it to another level indeed. Last year Play By play was marketing their debut game as “The Run: Got Next”. It’s safe to say the NBA liked what they saw and put their name behind it to turn that game into NBA The Run.
“We’re always looking for new ways to bring fans closer to the game,” said Adrienne O’Keeffe, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships & Media, NBA. “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.”
“NBA THE RUN captures the spirit of the video game classics that inspired generations of fans to fall in love with basketball,” said Nikki Pozzi, Vice President of Licensing at THNK450, the licensing, partnership and innovation arm of the NBPA. “We are excited to be giving fans yet another way to deepen their connection with our players and the sport through gaming.”
We don’t have a full roster of players in the game just yet, but some notable players including Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, Cooper Flagg, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are seen in the games first trailer.
Having been a fan of these types of games forever, including the more recent NBA Playgrounds games, I’m excited to see what NBA The Run can do.
NBA The Run will release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X and PC via Steam. You can find more info at nbatherun.com.
