The NBA video game catalog is set to expand again with the announcement of NBA The Run, a new 3-on-3 online street basketball game that blends arcade pacing with real NBA talent. Originally announced last year as The Run: Got Next, it seems that developer/publisher Play by Play Studios has managed to strike a licensing agreement with the NBA since then. The title appeared on Steam this week with its first screenshots and feature breakdown, describing itself as a “fast-paced, above-the-rim” experience focused on style, skill, and competition.
According to the game’s official description on Steam, NBA The Run lets players “take their favorite NBA stars to iconic streetball courts around the world,” earning wins and reputation to climb leaderboards and become the “GOAT of the Run.” The setup recalls the energy of NBA Street and NBA Jam, but reimagined for the online era.
The game’s primary mode centers on Knockout Tournaments, where players can compete solo or with squads in multiplayer matchups across international locations like Venice Beach and The Tenement in the Philippines. Matches emphasize elimination-style progression — win and move forward, lose and drop out — echoing a more competitive, bracket-driven structure than typical casual online play.
According to Play by Play Studios, NBA The Run will use rollback netcode — a latency-reducing technology more commonly seen in fighting games — to maintain smooth online responsiveness. The feature aims to ensure split-second control during plays like mid-air dunk adjustments, lob passes, and spin-move alley-oops.
While the focus is clearly on offensive flash, the game’s overview notes that defense is designed to carry equal weight, with mechanics for steals, diving saves, and forceful blocks intended to make defensive highlights just as rewarding as scoring. “Defense wins chips,” reads one section of the Steam page.
Visually, NBA The Run has that hand-drawn, near-anime feel to it, similar to the graphics in games like Rematch. The tone throughout emphasizes a balance between authenticity to streetball culture and accessibility for online play.
The game is currently listed as being due out at some point in 2026, but no specifics are given. So be sure to stay tuned for more information on this upcoming title.
