NBA The Run Will Add 2000s Legends on September 29

The Wave One update introduces five basketball icons and new gameplay features to the sports title.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Basketball

Graphic illustration of a basketball hoop silhouette and net in electric blue and orange, in a high-contrast vintage poster style.
Play by Play Studios will launch the 'Wave One - 2000s Legends' update for the 'NBA The Run' video game on September 29, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you enjoy when modern sports video games add classic legends to their rosters?

Play by Play Studios will launch the Wave One - 2000s Legends update for NBA The Run on September 29, 2026. This content expansion serves as the official kickoff for the game's first competitive season.

Why it matters

The release aims to grow the game's player base by integrating historic basketball figures and new gameplay modes. It signals the start of the title's live-service cycle with both free content updates and paid expansion bundles.

The game features a roster of over 36 total NBA stars and streetball legends. Players can acquire individual icons for 5,000 in-game CRED each or purchase a complete bundle of all five new legends for $9.99.

The players

Play by Play Studios

This is the game development firm responsible for creating and maintaining the basketball simulation title NBA The Run.

Allen Iverson

He is an iconic former NBA guard known for his prolific scoring ability and influential impact on basketball culture.

Vince Carter

He is a legendary former NBA forward widely recognized for his high-flying dunking ability and long professional career.

Tracy McGrady

He is a hall-of-fame caliber shooting guard who earned multiple scoring titles during his tenure in the league.

Kevin Garnett

He is a former defensive standout and league MVP who is celebrated for his intense playing style and versatility.

The details

The update brings Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki into the game roster. Players will also gain access to a new Dyckman NYC court, overhead Drive Cam options, and a dedicated practice mode.

Timeline

  1. September 29, 2026: The Wave One update launches on consoles and PC.

Season Trajectory

This release follows the NBA The Run live-service content roadmap to sustain player engagement through regular updates. By integrating iconic legends, the studio positions the game to compete with other long-running simulation titles during the upcoming sports season.

Players can purchase the Standard Edition for $29.99 or the Deluxe Edition for $39.99, with temporary discounts of up to 34% and 25% respectively. The custom match feature will allow users to host private parties with specific rulesets, changing how they organize games with friends.

The takeaway

The addition of 2000s legends targets long-time fans of the sport while providing new content for the game's competitive scene. Players should evaluate if they prefer grinding for in-game currency or using the $9.99 bundle to immediately unlock the five new icons.

Further reading

For more information on the game's features, visit the Basketball section of our site.

More information

Visit the official game website for additional details on roster additions.

Live Poll

Do you enjoy when modern sports video games add classic legends to their rosters?