For next-gen, NBA 2K21 will feature drastically improved load speeds, visual fidelity on an unmatched level and an unrivaled breadth of content for basketball fans and players. Fans can expect new game features, game modes, brand partnerships, social events, in-game experiences and a brand new soundtrack that will set the record as the most definitive collection of music ever assembled in a video game.

While the next-generation version of NBA 2K21 is being built from the ground up for next-generation consoles, 2K is also introducing several initiatives to bridge the two versions of the game. NBA 2K21 will feature MyTEAM Cross-Progression and a Shared VC Wallet within the same console family (PS4 to PS5, Xbox One to Xbox Series X).

MyTEAM Cross-Progression enables all MyTEAM Points, Tokens, cards and progress to be shared on both current and next-generation versions of NBA 2K21 in the same console family; similarly, the Shared VC Wallet means any earned or purchased VC is accessible across both current and next-generation versions of NBA 2K21 in the same console family. As shared earlier, players who are interested in picking up both versions of NBA 2K21 on either PlayStation or Xbox can check out the Mamba Forever Edition, which provides dual-access by providing purchasers with a copy of the standard edition of NBA 2K21 on the other generation at no additional cost, within the same console family.

The 2K and UnitedMasters competition ("2K Beats: The Search") reaches its halfway point today with the reveal of the first 10 winners, including the first artist from Europe, who are set to join the NBA 2K21 Next Gen soundtrack. The winners were announced by UnitedMasters on Instagram and chosen by Rapper Jadakiss, Ronnie 2K, Producers Murda Beatz and Tay Keith.

The first 10 artists and tracks below will be added to the NBA 2K21 Next Gen soundtrack via an upcoming patch:

• Delly Everyday - Same Game (Phoenix, AZ);
• Caleb Isaiah - Legend (Grayslake, IL);
• Scotty Valid - UP (Covington, GA);
• Jupiter Ki - $20Mill (Portland, OR);
• Zane Smith - 24 Hours (Lithonia, GA);
• Kayo Porter - Never Miss (Jackson, TN);
• Smoovebeendidit - Hands Tied (Yonkers, NY);
• Skippa Da Flippa - Win Again (Davie, FL);
• Caash - Left Knee (Irving, TX);
• A1 Illa - Elevating (London, England).

The full list of songs available in the game can also be found on the NBA 2K21 Spotify playlist, which is updated throughout the year.

The final 10 winners will be chosen by Founder and CEO of Translation and UnitedMasters, Steve Stoute, and Boston Celtics All-Star Forward, Jayson Tatum, from the remaining submissions and will be announced weekly on UnitedMasters’ Instagram, starting from Friday, February 12. Once the final 10 have been revealed, they will also be added to the NBA 2K21 Next Gen soundtrack in a future update.

“Once again, the cultural connection between NBA 2K and music proves to be a perfect way to celebrate and recognize new artists, basketball and gaming on a global scale,” said Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters and Translation. “UnitedMasters is always looking to support its independent artists with opportunities to reach new audiences and partner with the hottest brands. This competition has provided artists from all over the world the chance to be featured on one of the biggest games out there, and with more than 13,000 entries, we're only just getting started."

Submissions to the contest came from all around the globe. Independent artists from the US, Canada and UK made up the top three territories, while 2K also saw incredibly strong submissions from artists in other countries including Mexico and Australia. 

“What NBA 2K and UnitedMasters have put together here is incredible, giving talented artists from all over the world a platform to showcase their music,” said Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics All-Star forward. “Music means a lot to me, so it’s an honor to scope out up-and-coming artists and hopefully give them a break to take the next step. I can’t wait to hear what they’ve got.”

The NBA 2K21 in-game soundtrack sets the gold standard for music, with one of the largest collections of music ever assembled for a sports video game, featuring tracks from Damian ‘Dame D.O.L.L.A.’ Lillard and global artists such as Stormzy, Roddy Ricch, and Little Simz. The NBA 2K21 UnitedMasters competition winners are cemented in the top-rated and top-selling NBA video game simulation series of the past 19 years alongside today’s top musical talent.

The path to basketball superstardom is a dream for many and achieved by few in real life, but in NBA 2K21 you’ll have that opportunity as you carve your own path in MyCAREER, a new storyline that takes your player from high school through college - incorporating ten officially-licensed college programs - and eventually the NBA! Always a highlight for millions of players around the world each year, MyCAREER offers a personal, cinematic basketball experience where you’ll build your custom MyPLAYER and take them to the heights of their career on and off the court.

In NBA 2K21, this year’s narrative, The Long Shadow, tells the story of Junior – the son of a beloved baller who faces the challenges of trying to make it to the NBA, balancing legacy while carving his own path through high school to college. Making this journey more authentic to real life, NBA 2K21 will feature 10 officially licensed college programs to choose from in the story: Michigan State, UConn, Florida, Gonzaga, Syracuse, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, UCLA, Villanova University and West Virginia.

Of course, just making it to the draft doesn't mean the end of the journey - it's just the beginning! You'll have to choose the right representation, manage team interviews, perform well at the NBA Combine and improve your Draft stock to land yourself in the best position for success.

Also, it wouldn’t be MyCAREER without some familiar famous faces. In NBA 2K21, you’ll see Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy), Michael K. Williams (The Wire, Boardwalk Empire), Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond, Guardians of the Galaxy), Mireille Enos (The Killing, World War Z) and cover athletes Damian Lillard and Zion Williamson and more bring Junior’s story to life in a dramatic and cinematic way. 

NBA 2K21 is available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC and Google Stadia.