When Play by Play Studios said they were “taking it back to the streets,” they meant it. NBA THE RUN, launched June 9, 2026, and it's shaping up to be a nice revival shot at arcade‑style basketball reminiscent of NBA Street. Fast‑paced 3v3 action, iconic real‑world courts, and a roster stacked with NBA superstars all collide in a game built for highlight‑hunters, competitive grinders, and anyone who misses the style of early‑2000s... streetball.
Speaking of Streetball (or Black Basketball as it was called back then), came to life via Edwin E.B. Henderson (the Grandfather of Black Basketball). He was also the first Black male P.E. teacher and introduced his students to the game back in 1904. This took place in Washington D.C., although it's easy to assume it was New York. He actually established a wide scale... Interscholastic Athletic Association as well to have competitive leagues, which is where the Washington 12 Streeters came from. His 12 Streeter team consisted of former Howard University + local YMCA students who washed the competition by going undefeated for a whole season in the Colored Basketball World Championship.
When it comes to New York, I know some of you might be thinking of the Harlem Globetrotters, but... they were only called that by name. It was to tie in the Harlem Renaissance, but they were actually from Chicago... and hit the scene in the 1920s. They didn't play a game in Harlem, NY until the late 1960s!
So I wanted to stop and drop a little about the origin behind streetball. Now let's game! This is my third session with NBA The Run, and we were getting it in... there are some dogs online (vicious):
The game is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, with full cross‑play and two editions:
A Game Built by Hoop Purists
Play by Play Studios is a small but veteran‑heavy team featuring developers who previously worked on major EA and Visceral titles. Their mission is simple: revive the feel of handcrafted arcade basketball—fluid, stylish, and personality‑driven.
They’ve been transparent about their inspirations, openly calling NBA THE RUN a spiritual successor to the classics. And from the gameplay, they’re not exaggerating.
What’s New Since the Open Beta
The team has made sweeping improvements based on community feedback. Here’s everything updated for launch:
Gameplay & Mechanics
Kyrie Irving added to the roster
9 new dribble/style animations for deeper combo chains
Reduced goaltending frequency near the rim
Shorter blocking reach for elite shot blockers
Lower AI shove rates to reduce cheap physicality
Improved self off‑the‑backboard alley‑oop success
Slower ball speed off the rim + higher friction for more realistic rebounds
Polished jumpshot, dive, and general animations
Revised dribble‑move audio for cleaner feedback
Systems & Stability
Fixed Rank & XP display issues
Fixed stat‑swapping and MVP‑swapping bugs
Tuned player ratings
Rebalanced rulesets for more variety between rounds
Fixed end‑of‑game crash tied to stat reporting
These changes directly address the most common beta complaints—especially defensive imbalance, rebounding chaos, and animation inconsistencies. Although there are still some issues with screen transitions and animations at times.
Gameplay: Fast, Fluid, and Above the Rim
NBA THE RUN is built around rollback netcode, meaning online play feels snappy and responsive even in cross‑play matches.
Signature Gameplay Pillars
Explosive dunks and alley‑oops out of spin moves
Ankle‑breaking dribble chains with new style animations
Logo‑range shooting for players with deep‑range badges
Physical defense—dives, steals, shoves, and chase‑downs
Takeover‑style “In‑The‑Zone” abilities that temporarily unlock elite skills (unlimited stamina, enhanced range, etc.)
The game is intentionally not a simulation. It’s about swagger, momentum, and highlight‑reel moments—without sacrificing competitive depth.
Modes: Knockout Tournaments Are the Heart of the Game
The core mode is the online Knockout Tournament, where players compete in escalating rounds across global streetball courts. Win and advance; lose and you’re out. It's just that simple.
Courts include:Venice Beach
Rucker Park (NYC)
The Tenement (Philippines)
Dongdan (Beijing)
Harlem
And more, including 4 nighttime finals variants designed as championship stages
You can play Solo or Squads, and every match feels like a mini‑event thanks to reactive crowds, stylized lighting, and handcrafted court details.
While its on my mind: One mode I feel is missing is... Practice. Let people get a feel for the game whether or not they're handling the ball. Let them do more than shoot around. Knowing how to play D goes a long way, knowing the value of teamwork and how to pass... goes a long way.
Roster: 32 NBA Stars at Launch
The lineup includes:LeBron James
Stephen Curry
Luka Dončić
Kevin Durant
Kyrie Irving
LaMelo Ball
Victor Wembanyama
Joel Embiid
James Harden
And more fan favorites
Each player has:
The Deluxe Edition adds rookie variants for Curry, Luka, and KD.
Courts: A Love Letter to Streetball
Play by Play didn’t just recreate courts—they built atmospheres:
Venice Beach Finals – boardwalk lights, neon reflections, and a festival‑like crowd
Rucker Park at night – gritty, loud, and packed with spectators leaning over the fence
Dongdan (Beijing) – considered the “Holy Land” of Chinese streetball, with crowds reacting to every move
Each court has its own vibe, lighting, and crowd behavior, making every tournament feel like a world tour.
Why NBA THE RUN Matters
Arcade basketball has been dormant for years. Simulation titles dominate the market, but players have been craving something different—something fun, fast, and expressive.
NBA THE RUN fills that gap with:
Rollback netcode for competitive reliability
Stylized visuals that stand apart from sim-heavy games
A focus on creativity and flair
A global streetball identity
A fair price point
Early impressions from creators and competitive players highlight the game’s smooth dribbling, responsive controls, and high replay value thanks to its tournament structure. NBA THE RUN isn’t trying to replace simulation basketball—it’s in another lane (clearly). With its blend of arcade energy, and competitive structure, it’s poised to become the go‑to game for players who want pure fun with real skill expression.
For fans of NBA Street, AND1, or fast‑paced online competition, this might be the most enjoyable arcade basketball release in awhile. Lace up and we'll see you out there. Remember... teamwork!
Get the scoop on what's headed to NBA THE RUN (I'm lovin' it!):
