NBA The Run's First Season Launches with Five 2000s Legends and Major Gameplay Update

NBA The Run has released Wave One, its first seasonal update since the game launched in June. The free update adds five historic NBA legends from the 2000s era, new gameplay cameras, licensed music and features the community requested.

Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Dirk Nowitzki join the roster, each bringing their Hall of Fame skillsets and signature moves to courts around the world. Players can unlock each legend individually for 5,000 Cred, the in-game currency earned through progression, or purchase all five together as DLC for $9.99. Each legend includes an alternate throwback jersey.

Two new camera options give players different perspectives on the action. Drive Cam places the camera behind your player looking toward the basket you're attacking, while Drive Flip Cam switches between your offensive and defensive ends of the court. Both options help players read passing lanes, position themselves on defense and judge spacing.

Wave One introduces Run Anthems, a curated playlist of 11 licensed tracks featuring artists from locations where courts appear in the game: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles. The selection was vetted by Bobbito Garcia, NBA The Run's announcer and creator of the legendary underground hip-hop radio show "The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show." Players can choose between licensed music, the original score or a blend of both in Settings.

Championship Belts represent a new long-term challenge, with separate belts available in Knockout Squads and Knockout Solos modes. Players can earn belts by winning with individual players, encouraging roster experimentation. Belt counts display in the Main Menu and can be compared against friends.

Practice Mode lets players compete against the CPU on any court and ruleset, making it easier to learn the game and test new lineups. Custom Matches allow up to five friends to play private online games in either Knockout Solos or Knockout Squads mode. Neither mode affects progression or awards Cred, providing a low-pressure environment to experiment.

The update adds new driving layups, standing dunks, alley-oops and advanced dunk animations. Gameplay tuning addresses community feedback, including significantly reduced goaltending. Two new courts join the Knockout Tournament rotation: Dyckman (available in Day and Tournament versions) and Spring Garden Elementary. Wave One also includes new taunts, banners, badges and alternate jerseys for customization.

NBA The Run is a 3v3 streetball game that blends today's NBA stars, top rookies and street legends. Players take squads of three through Knockout Tournaments with different rulesets and win conditions on the way to the Finals. The game emphasizes quick matches and competitive progression.

The developer has prioritized community feedback since launch. Decreased goaltending and new camera options both stemmed from player requests. A Campaign mode is currently targeted for Spring 2027, which will provide a new way to experience NBA The Run. Full patch notes are available at www.nbatherun.com/news.