2K today announced the full roster of cover athletes for NBA 2K22!

Global phenomenon and two-time NBA All-Star, Luka Dončić, graces the Standard Edition and Cross-Gen Digital Bundle, while a trio of the NBA’s most impactful big men – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant – feature in a premium, NBA 75th Anniversary Edition, showcasing how each of these athletes changed the game.

Featuring best-in-class visual presentation and player AI, historic teams, and a wide variety of hoops experiences, NBA 2K22 puts the entire basketball universe in the player’s hands.

2K today revealed an in-depth look at Season 7 coming to NBA 2K22 this Friday, May 20, ahead of the NBA Finals.

NBA 2K22’s Season 7: ‘Return of Heroes’ builds on last year’s fan-favorite season to welcome back household names and marks the dawn of a new era of burgeoning superstars like MVP candidate and this year’s scoring champion, Joel Embiid. This season also includes the arrival of a brand new TKO event to The City and the Cancha Del Mar, where you can compete for incredible new rewards, complete courageous quests, and prove that you can be a leader. 

NBA 2K22 Season 7 features 76ers star Joel Embiid as the headline athlete for the first time, bringing many exciting new updates to MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and The W Online.* Season 7 also includes 10 new songs created by the winners of the “2K Beats: The Search” contest in partnership with SoundCloud.

Major updates include:

• MyCAREER introduces daring new quests, all-new heroic courts, team-spirited NBA rewards, and more. PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC updates include the choice of an Affiliation mascot reward for reaching Level 30, along with an NBA mascot award for reaching Level 40. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X updates include a random NBA mascot outfit reward for reaching Level 30 and a Jetpack for reaching Level 40, along with a new TKO event, and more. The event rewards include a slew of rewards, consisting of Skill Boosts, Boxing Shorts, Boxing Gloves, and 10,000 VC;
• MyTEAM includes Playoff Agendas, recreated moments based on big playoff performances, a LVL 40 Invincible Anthony Edwards, and hand-drawn hero cards featuring current players and Legends. Additionally, Murals are back, with Hero Galaxy Opal Zion Williamson as the Level 1 reward and Invincible Joel Embiid as the Challenger Mural’s collection complete reward. Lastly, a new Season Rewind Domination tier will be added to MyTEAM, where players can compete against the MyTEAM-best versions of the current NBA’s rosters for MyTEAM Points, Tokens, Hall of Fame badges, and an Invincible Tim Hardaway for earning all 99 Stars; 
• The W* features a pair of former college teammates and WNBA legends as Hall of Fame tier rewards: Tamika Catchings and Chamique Holdsclaw. Other rewards include a Takeover Perk Picker, 2K Breakthrough Gear, Extra Badge Point, 4,000 total VC, a Seasonal Clothing Bundle, and a Tattoo;
• “2K Beats: The Search,”NBA 2K’s annual international contest to discover the next up-and-coming artists, teamed up with SoundCloud this year to select the 20 winners to be added to the NBA 2K22 soundtrack. Check out the first 10 tracks being added to the game for Season 7 below and listen to them now on SoundCloud. Additionally, find out more about the first wave of winning artists here:  
  
  • 4KPHIL. - Young Picasso;
  • Jamari Parish (feat. Maestro Musik) – Summit;
  • J Nolan - Splash;
  • KC Carter - Cash Flow;
  • Lulu Be. - Gimme Dat;
  • Neek - Shaggy;
  • OttoMattic - Rounds (Part 3);
  • Samad Savage - Mama I Made It (feat. Lex Bratcher & Drok);
  • Shiwan - The Arrival;
  • Third Coast Chris - Cruise Control Pt. 2.

NBA 2K22 Season 7: Return of Heroes

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and even when immense pressure weighs on their shoulders, they rise to the occasion in the face of adversity. The NBA Playoffs are the ultimate battleground for heroes in the making, putting players through a gauntlet of grueling challenges. Those worthy of greatness embrace the moment.

NBA 2K21’s Age of Heroes theme introduced and featured NBA 2K’s first heroes from around the league, but NBA 2K22’s Season 7: Return of Heroes takes things to a new level, marking the dawn of a new era. Headlined by burgeoning superstars, like this year's scoring champion Joel Embiid, Season 7 is setting the stage for what’s sure to be an unbelievable conclusion to the 2021-2022 NBA Season. Powerful competitors will clash against one another–and you can join the fight. Exercise your gifts and carry your team to victory in the City and the Cancha Del Mar by competing for incredible new rewards, completing courageous quests, and proving yourself as a leader.

ALL-NEW MyCAREER UPDATES

Competition doesn’t sleep, especially in the City and aboard the Cancha Del Mar. Around every corner, opportunity awaits, and it’s calling to you. Season 7: Return of Heroes features daring new quests, all-new heroic courts, and team-spirited NBA rewards. Your journey from Level 1 to Level 40 will be filled with useful gadgets and elaborate costumes so you can showboat around your environment.

Just as the NBA Playoffs rocket toward the NBA Finals, new-gen players will be able to rocket through the City with the Level 40 Jetpack reward. For current-gen players, flaunt your team spirit with the NBA Mascot outfit reward. You’ll receive a random NBA Mascot outfit once you achieve Level 40, and if you’re interested in a different Mascot, you’ll be able to pick it up from SWAG’s. There are many ways to show support for your favorite teams in NBA 2K22, but nothing else stands out quite like the official NBA Mascots.

In addition, new-gen players will be rewarded with a random NBA Mascot outfit for reaching Level 30; same rules apply as current-gen for additional outfit purchases. Current-gen players can also choose an Affiliation Mascot outfit by reaching Level 30 - 

 

For new-gen players (PS5, XBS):

• Season Level 40 - Jetpack
• Season Level 30 - NBA Mascot outfit

 

For current-gen players (PS4, XB1, NSW, PC):

• Season Level 40 - NBA Mascot outfit
• Season Level 30 - Affiliation Mascot outfit

ASCEND IN TKO

In a world of championship-caliber talent, only a select few can rise above the rest. Show the world what you’re made of this season in TKO for new-gen. TKO pits you against other players, with the winner advancing up a floor, where you’ll face even more fierce competitors. Keep your streak alive and you can earn up to 4XP!

The event rewards include Skill Boosts, Boxing Shorts, Boxing Gloves, and 10,000 VC. If you lose, though, your streak will end. You’re allowed to be knocked down three tiers before you’re officially eliminated from the competition.

MyTEAM HEROES ASSEMBLE

The Age of Heroes made a huge impression in MyTEAM last year, and in NBA 2K22, the Return of Heroes is poised to make an impact on every lineup in Season 7. First off, the Murals are back! 30 Champions and Challengers assemble to create two magnificent works of art in your collection.

To get everyone started, the Level 1 reward in MyTEAM’s Season 7 is Hero Galaxy Opal Zion Williamson! Zion’s powerful style led the Modern Age last year, and this year, he tips-off the Challenger mural for every player who enters the Season menu in MyTEAM.

Zion will need to go solo to start the Season, as the rest of the Galaxy Opal and Dark Matter players you'll need to complete that Mural will be earned once the NBA’s best compete for their ultimate reward in the Finals. Until then, take over with Zion, and prepare your lineup for the Challenger Mural’s collection complete reward: Invincible Joel Embiid!

For the Champions assembling their mural, you can look to add these 15 Dark Matter players to your collection in premium releases all Season long. This time around, the reward for completing this collection isn’t a Coach card, but we’ll have more on that epic reward later. Be sure to keep your eyes on the official @NBA2K_MyTEAM Twitter account for the reveal!

SEASON REWIND & EVENTS

Back to the present: a new Season Rewind Domination tier will be added on Friday, May 20. In the midst of these intense NBA Playoffs, compete against the MyTEAM-best versions of the current NBA’s rosters for MyTEAM Points, Tokens, Hall of Fame Badges, and Invincible Tim Hardaway for earning all 99 Stars! Hardaway is just months away from being enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and his do-it-all Invincible Dark Matter reward represents his legacy, in MyTEAM!

Beyond Day 1, look forward to near-daily events during Season 7. From top-tier player cards appearing as rewards in your favorite mode to newly added Evolutions and more Dynamic Duos, we’re adding more ways to compete with and expand your collection for the next six weeks.

Playoff Moment Agendas will also continue to drop alongside the latest performances in the NBA postseason. Pink Diamond, Galaxy Opal, and Dark Matter player cards are available right now from these completed Lifetime Agenda groups, with more coming for the final rounds of the NBA Playoffs. Earn these impactful Moment cards from the Playoffs today, and stay up-to-date with the latest Agendas dropping after every Playoff game.

END GAME IS NEAR

Every hour, every minute, the End Game nears. Are you prepared? Will your Heroes be ready? Your might will be tested. Forget what you think you know; this can only be experienced. What awaits is...

DARK MATTER REWARDS

Let’s get back on track with the rest of the new 99 overall-rated cards you can pick up throughout MyTEAM in Season 7: Return of Heroes. In total, you'll be able to fill out a complete Dark Matter lineup with Season 7’s reward players!

• Season Level 40 – Invincible Anthony Edwards
• Season Level 33 – Mike Conley
• Season Ascension – Joe Dumars
• Clutch Time 100 Wins – Fernando Martin
• Clutch Time Wheel – Gilbert Arenas
• Unlimited – Michael Finley
• MyTEAM: Draft – Moses Malone
• Triple Threat Vault – LaMarcus Aldridge
• Triple Threat Online: The 100 – Jamaal Wilkes
• Exchange – Sam Cassell
• Token Rewards – Oscar Robertson & Antawn Jamison

Limited will once again feature an Option Pack so YOU can choose the Season reward for earning 6 Rings, and the Beyond 40 Option Pack returns once again with Dark Matter reward players to choose from.

THE W ONLINE (available on PS5 / Xbox Series X|S)

The WNBA regular season is officially underway, kicking off 12 bids for league supremacy in what’s sure to be a race to the finish line. Celebrate the WNBA’s return by participating in some fierce competition at The W Online, where you can test your mettle against highly skilled players all pursuing new rewards and bragging rights. For Season 7, we’re featuring a pair of former college teammates and WNBA legends as Hall of Fame tier rewards: Tamika Catchings and Chamique Holdsclaw. 

In 1998, this duo helped lead well-decorated basketball coach Pat Summit’s Tennessee Volunteers to a third-straight national title, but their success didn’t stop there. In the early 2000s, this future Hall of Fame duo duked it out on a regular basis as two All-Star fixtures in the league, and now, you can add them to your contact list in NBA 2K22. You can also earn a Takeover Perk Picker, 2K Breakthrough Gear, Extra Badge Point, 4,000 total VC, a Seasonal Clothing Bundle, and a Tattoo.

2K BEATS: THE SEARCH

The NBA 2K22 community boasts a diverse group of talented individuals both on the court and in the recording booth. We asked players to submit original tracks for the chance to be featured in-game, and this season we're proud to highlight 10 aspiring artists on the tracklist, with an additional 10 coming next season. In partnership with SoundCloud, we’re showcasing a variety of music from the community, for the community.

See the full tracklist below:

• Jamari Parish (feat. Maestro Musik) - Summit
• J Nolan - Splash
• Lulu Be - Gimme Dat
• Neek - Shaggy
• Samad Savage - Mama I Made It (feat. Lex Bratcher & Drok)
• Third Coast Chris - Cruise Control Pt. 2
• OttoMattic - Rounds (Part 3)
• 4KPHIL - Young Picasso
• KC Carter - Cash Flow
• Shiwan - The Arrival

CLOSING REMARKS

Every hero has an origin story–what will yours be? It’s time to acknowledge your gifts and put them to use by elevating your team to levels once thought unattainable. Suit up for a season of dynamic rewards, jaw-dropping highlights, and ultra-competitive basketball. Whether you’re using your talents in MyTEAM or MyCAREER, there are myriad challenges and rewards to keep you occupied all season long.

Click here and take our 10-minute NBA 2K Community Survey to let us know what you thought about Season 6: Zero Gravity, and what you would like to see in the future! The survey will be open for responses through May 23, 2022.

This year, NBA 2K22 will offer three editions of the game available on digital and physical formats: Standard Edition, a Cross-Gen Digital Bundle and a special NBA 75th Anniversary Edition:

• The Standard Edition will be available for $59.99 on previous-gen platforms (PS4, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch, and PC) and $69.99 on new-gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S);
• The Cross-Gen Digital Bundle ($79.99) will grant players access to the Standard Edition across previous- and new-gen within the same PlayStation and Xbox consoles;
• NBA 2K22 NBA 75th Anniversary Edition ($99.99) will be available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Dual-gen access is included for both the Cross-Gen Digital Bundle and NBA 75th Anniversary Edition for the PS4/PS5 and Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S platforms and provides a version of the game on each console generation within the same console family. The NBA 75th Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch will only be available on digital format in the EMEA region.

The NBA 75th Anniversary Edition celebrates three of the league’s most iconic big men who revolutionized the league over its 75 years:

• Hall of Famer, six-time NBA Champion and six-time MVP, and all-time NBA scoring leader, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a legend who still influences today’s game, from his patented Skyhook to his activism on social issues;
• 14-time All-Star, NBA Champion and MVP, Dirk Nowitzki, embodies not only the global expansion of basketball but also the evolution of the game itself as the protoypical sharpshooting big man;
• 11-time All-Star, league MVP and two-time NBA Champion, Kevin Durant, a legend in his own right and known for his one-of-a-kind presence in the league appears for the third time as an NBA® 2K cover athlete.

The NBA 75th Anniversary Edition and Cross-Gen Digital Bundle feature cover artwork painted by Atlanta-based artist, Charly Palmer, whose work in fine art is defined by complex compositions and a unique technique and style. Palmer’s work is exhibited across the nation; he is most recently known for his “Civil Rights” series of paintings and compositions titled “America Must Change,” which made waves as TIME Magazine’s cover in July 2020.

In North America, players can purchase a special version of the Standard Edition featuring six-time WNBA All Star and WNBA Champion, Candace Parker, on the cover and available exclusively through GameStop and EB Games. Parker’s appearance is a milestone for NBA 2K: the first female cover athlete in the history of the franchise. The Chicago Sky star’s cover feature is the latest step in NBA 2K’s ongoing initiatives to feature women prominently in the game. In Japan, players can also purchase a special version of the Standard Edition that features Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura, a rising star who was the first Japanese player to be drafted in the first round in 2019 and first Japanese player to reach the NBA Playoffs.

2K will also be releasing additional announcements about NBA 2K22 in the coming weeks, including first looks at features, the soundtrack reveal, live service updates, and much more. With ever-expanding content and one of the most passionate hoops communities, basketball never stops in NBA 2K.

All editions of NBA 2K22 are currently scheduled for worldwide release on September 10, 2021 and are available for pre-order today.