NBA The Run’s first seasonal update, Wave One “2000s Legends,” is out now as a free update for all players, Play By Play Studios announced today via Xbox Wire. The studio calls it the biggest update since NBA The Run’s June launch, bringing five historic stars, new presentation options, licensed music, private matches, and gameplay tuning to the 3v3 streetball game.
NBA The Run is built around Knockout Tournaments where a Squad of three plays quick must-win games with different rulesets and win conditions. Play By Play Studios has emphasized player feedback since the game’s open beta on PS5, and Wave One continues that community-driven approach.
Five Legends and How to Unlock Them
Wave One adds Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Dirk Nowitzki. Each Legend arrives with Hall of Fame skillsets, signature moves, and an alternate jersey. Players can unlock any Legend individually for 5,000 Cred, the in-game currency earned by progressing through the game. All five Legends can also be purchased together as DLC for $9.99 in the Microsoft Store.
New Cameras, Music, and Courts
Two new camera options arrive with the update. Drive Cam places the camera behind the player looking toward the basket being attacked, while Drive Flip Cam switches between the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Run Anthems adds 11 curated licensed tracks featuring artists from New York, Philly, Chicago and Los Angeles, vetted with Bobbito Garcia, NBA The Run’s announcer and creator of The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show. Players can choose licensed, original, or a blend in Settings.
New courts include Dyckman in Day and Tournament versions and Spring Garden Elementary. New taunts, advanced dunks, banners, badges and alternate jerseys are also included.
Private Play and Gameplay Tuning
Players can earn a Championship Belt by winning with individual players. Knockout Squads and Knockout Solos each have their own belt, and belt count is shown in the Main Menu. Practice Mode lets players play against the CPU on any court and ruleset. Custom Matches let players invite up to five friends for private online games in Knockout Solos or Knockout Squads, and neither mode affects progression or awards Cred.
Gameplay additions include driving layups, standing dunks, alley-oops and advanced dunk animations, plus tuning based on player feedback including significantly reduced goaltending. Play By Play Studios says the update was built alongside community feedback, and a Campaign mode is currently targeted for Spring 2027. Full Wave One patch notes are at nbatherun.com/news.
