NBA 2K27 kicks off its first season with Victor Wembanyama at the center of the spotlight. Fresh from his first NBA Finals appearance and entering his fourth season as the San Antonio Spurs’ franchise centerpiece, Wembanyama enters 2K27 as both the featured cover athlete and Season 1 hero.
The 2025-2026 unanimous Defensive Player of the Year represents the kind of rapid progression players can chase throughout the new season. Whether your focus is competitive games in The City, building an elite MyTEAM roster, or developing your MyPLAYER in MyCAREER, Season 1 offers a wide range of rewards to pursue.

At only 22 years old, Wembanyama has already established an impressive NBA résumé, including Rookie of the Year, two All-Star selections, two All-Defensive First-Team selections, and a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award.
His presence as the face of NBA 2K27 sets the tone for Season 1. Players can embrace that competitive mindset while working through seasonal progression, unlocking cosmetics, Badge upgrades, Cap Breakers, and other rewards.
For players who want to maximize their progression across the game’s various modes, efficient resource management is also important. Building a strong MyPLAYER or competitive MyTEAM lineup can require substantial in-game currency, making NBA 2K MT an important resource for players focused on improving their teams.
The City receives one of the most notable changes in NBA 2K27: it is the first co-ed City in NBA 2K history. Male and female MyPLAYERs can compete together, giving Crews more flexibility when assembling their teams.
Simply playing games in The City contributes to seasonal progression. Players earn XP and climb toward Level 40 while unlocking rewards such as Skill Boosts, MyPLAYER cosmetics, Cap Breakers, Badge Tokens, and additional Badge Slots.
The Badge system is particularly important for MyPLAYER development. Every NBA 2K27 build starts with 20 Badge slots. Players can earn up to four additional Badge Slots, four Badge Tokens, and four Synergy Badge Slots while progressing toward Level 40.
Some of the highlighted Season 1 rewards include:
· Level 15: Bonus Badge Token
· Level 16: Orange Swirl Hoverboard
· Level 17: “Prowl” San Antonio Spurs Mascot
· Level 18: Bonus Badge Slot
· Level 29: Cyber Robot Eyes
· Level 30: Synergy Badge Slot
· Level 34: Messy Afro Puff Hairstyle
· Level 39: Ninja Suit: Apprentice
· Level 40: Cap Breaker
Reaching Level 40 therefore offers more than cosmetic rewards. The additional Badge and progression bonuses can directly contribute to developing a more effective MyPLAYER build.
Season 1 also brings back 2XREP events, giving players opportunities to accelerate their progression.
2XREP Weekends and other limited-time events will take place across several activities, including Casual Corner, The REC, The Theater, Ante-Up, Proving Grounds, and Crew Divisions in Crew HQ.
Other seasonal events introduce different gameplay objectives. Midway ties rewards to performance-based challenges, while The Deep End introduces games featuring four-point shots. Blackout uses a Bingo-style system, allowing players to complete lines for rewards such as VC, Skill Boosts, and exclusive apparel.
Cross-progression between The City and MyTEAM also lets players earn XP across both modes, giving dedicated players another way to work toward Level 40.
MyTEAM Season 1 provides a broad selection of cards designed to strengthen different parts of a roster. Players can find defensive bigs, three-point specialists, versatile wings, and explosive scorers throughout the reward ladder.
One of the biggest changes this year is the expanded Exchange system. Players can exchange any Player Card, except Free Agent cards, including cards obtained through Season level rewards.
The Premier Exchange is headlined by Dark Matter Tracy McGrady, celebrating one of the most dangerous scorers of his generation.
During his six seasons with Houston, McGrady produced some of the most memorable scoring performances in NBA history, including his legendary 13-point comeback in 33 seconds. Players can work toward completing the Season 1 Premier Exchange throughout the season to obtain the exclusive Dark Matter Tracy McGrady card.
The Season 1 reward ladder contains cards ranging from Amethyst to Dark Matter, providing useful options as players build their squads.
Bam Adebayo provides a strong foundation for a MyTEAM lineup. His combination of athleticism, defense, physicality, and basketball IQ makes him a versatile option at the big-man position.
Desmond Bane gives players a reliable perimeter scoring option. His reputation as a highly efficient shooter makes the Level 10 Diamond card particularly attractive for lineups that need additional spacing.
Ivica Zubac offers a traditional interior presence. His size, screening ability, finishing, and mid-post play make him an effective roll man and paint-oriented option.
Mike Brown’s Season 1 coach card is another milestone reward. His pace-and-space offensive approach can complement teams built around shooting and athletic wings.
Khris Middleton brings three-level scoring and two-way wing ability to the reward ladder. His mid-range game and playoff experience make the Galaxy Opal card a valuable addition for players seeking a versatile scorer.
Olivia Miles represents the WNBA side of MyTEAM. Selected No. 2 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles is highlighted as a creative playmaker with deep three-point range.
The Level 40 reward is Dark Matter Derrick Rose, giving players an explosive offensive weapon.
Rose’s combination of speed, athleticism, and finishing ability fits players who prefer attacking the basket and creating offense through quick bursts. His place as this year’s Ultra Edition cover athlete also makes the card a notable collectible.
Players looking for additional progression can purchase the Season 1 Pro Pass or Hall of Fame Pass. These seasonal add-ons provide 40 additional levels of NBA 2K27 rewards, including automatic and premium rewards.
The automatic rewards include:
· Dragonfire Mask
· Dragonfire Sleeveless Tee
· Season 1 Pro Pass Pack
· HOF Smooth Operator Badge Card
· Two Diamond Shoes
· Two Takeovers
· 91 OVR Diamond Jimmy Butler
Beyond these rewards, the Pro Pass offers additional VC, XP, Skill Boosts, cosmetics, and MyTEAM content.
The premium track includes rewards such as Smooth Gold Grillz, Cyber Robot Facepaint, an Animated Fire and Ice Power-Up Body Mod, the “Go the Gorilla” Phoenix Suns Mascot, and the Ninja Suit: Assassin.
The Level 40 premium reward is another Dark Matter Derrick Rose, featuring special-edition card art.
Players should choose their progression path based on their primary game mode. Those focused on MyPLAYER development should prioritize The City and 2XREP events, particularly when limited-time events provide accelerated progression.
MyTEAM players, meanwhile, should keep an eye on the Season reward ladder and Exchange system. Collecting cards throughout the season can help build a competitive roster while also contributing toward higher-tier rewards.
For players who want to strengthen their MyTEAM lineup quickly, understanding how to manage NBA 2K27 MT is equally important. Prioritizing cards that address weaknesses in shooting, defense, ball handling, or interior play can make a larger difference than simply collecting the highest-rated players.
Season 1 gives NBA 2K27 players plenty of reasons to jump into multiple modes. The City introduces co-ed Crew gameplay and a broad progression ladder, while MyTEAM offers high-level rewards such as Tracy McGrady, Olivia Miles, and Derrick Rose.
With 2XREP events, cross-progression, Badge Tokens, Cap Breakers, new cosmetics, and additional Pro Pass rewards, reaching Level 40 is a meaningful objective for players willing to stay active throughout the season.
With Wembanyama leading the way, Season 1 establishes a clear theme for NBA 2K27: build your player, strengthen your squad, compete with your Crew, and keep pushing toward the next level.
The U4GM Team