NBA 2K25 is scheduled to be removed from digital storefronts on October 30, 2026, just two years after its initial launch in September 2024. Following the delisting, the game's online servers will be shut down on January 1, 2027. This server shutdown will render several key modes unplayable, including the popular single-player story mode, MyCareer.
MyCareer's reliance on online connectivity means that progression and the acquisition of virtual currency (VC) are tied to server access. Without a connection to 2K's servers, the mode will become inaccessible. Players who purchase NBA 2K25 before its delisting date will retain the ability to download and play offline modes indefinitely.
A statement from 2K confirmed the scope of the server shutdown: "As of January 1, 2027, you'll no longer be able to play multiplayer games or access any online game modes. MyCAREER and MyTEAM will no longer be available, and it will no longer be possible to earn Virtual Currency (VC). While you will still be able to enjoy Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyWNBA, any features that require a connection to 2K servers will be unavailable. This includes multiplayer, Online Leagues, and community sharing."
While server shutdowns for older titles are not uncommon, 2K has been delisting recent NBA 2K games with increasing frequency. This practice forces players to upgrade to newer iterations, even if the changes between annual releases are incremental. In some cases, older titles may have featured modes or content that are no longer present in subsequent games, effectively removing legacy content from accessibility.
For instance, the standalone All-Star Team-Up mode is no longer playable because previous versions of the game have been delisted and taken offline. The imminent delisting of NBA 2K25 means that any progress made in MyCareer will eventually become obsolete due to its dependence on online servers. Despite these concerns, the NBA 2K series continues to achieve strong sales, suggesting the model remains commercially successful.