WNBA in 2K: An Overview of Game History in NBA 2K

The WNBA has history in NBA 2K and TGH takes a moment to highlight its growth over the years. Since the original NBA 2K, the series has long been known as the top basketball simulation game on the market. With a rise recognized by the NBA, the WNBA was finally included in the game in 2020. Though NBA Live 18 first featured WNBA teams/players, the feedback from both fans of the WNBA and NBA 2K community has been positive as the options to use WNBA teams/players have grown over the past three years.

NBA 2K20

First appearing in NBA 2K20,  all of the WNBA’s teams and players were available to use in two game modes. Entering the “Play Now” mode allowed players to play both on/offline and compete locally with their favorite team. For a deeper experience, the “Season” mode allowed players to use their favorite team and compete for a WNBA Championship. In order to create an experience true to the replication of the WNBA elite players including Parker (then of the Las Angeles Sparks), A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) and Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm) had their facial expressions and movements scanned into the game.

NBA 2K21 

New features were added for the WNBA in NBA 2K21, headlined by a new game mode: “The W”. Available on next-gen systems, “The W” allowed players to create a custom WNBA player and compete in multiple game modes. Features included in “The W Online” were 3v3 “MyPLAYER” matches and “MyWNBA” (a mode similar to MyGM); allowing players complete control of the GM/Commissioner roles. The expansion of WNBA players (along with a new game mode) provided fans with the chance to use their favorite teams and players across the top game modes available in NBA 2K.

NBA 2K22

Perhaps the greatest update in the history of WNBA in NBA 2K occurred in NBA 2K22, headlined by one of the greatest WNBA Players of all-time: Candace Parker (Chicago Sky). Honoring the 25th Season of the WNBA, Parker serves as a cover athlete; a two-time WNBA Champion (2016, 2021) and MVP (2008, 2013). With career averages of 16.6 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game and 4 assists per game Parker has consistently performed at an elite level and sits with one of the highest ratings in NBA 2K (94 overall). As the WNBA season is soon to begin expect Parker’s rating to rise in reflection of her expected on-court performance.

As 2K continues to expand the WNBA in NBA 2K, stay on the lookout for more coverage by TGH.

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Featured image courtesy of 2K Sports