The WNBA-focused “The W” mode will be returning in NBA 2K26. And while 2K is touting some new features, The W seems to retain a lot of the overall structure that was present in last year’s game. The central premise — rise through the WNBA ranks and cement yourself as the GOAT — remains unchanged from NBA 2K25. The difference this year seems to be in how that journey is framed and the smaller touches around it.
Last year’s W mode revolved around the “Pursuit of Greatness” storyline, starting with a rookie season battle between your player-created character and some of the WNBA’s hottest names at the time, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, while also climbing an all-time leaderboard by surpassing WNBA legends’ records and accolades.
In NBA 2K26, much of that same DNA remains. You’ll still be building your MyPlayer, facing off against top WNBA talent, and working towards GOAT status. Press conferences will be returning, complete with voice acting, though some changes have been promised when it comes to expanding upon this mechanic.
Here is the basic rundown of The W in NBA 2K26. For more comprehensive information, consider checking out the original Courtside Report.
What’s New In NBA 2K26 The W?
Where things start to differ between The W this year and what was presented last year is in the smaller details. The most obvious addition is the pre-draft press conference, a new opening sequence where you answer questions from the press to influence your draft stock before ultimately choosing which WNBA team you’ll be joining. It’s admittedly a small change, but anything that adds an extra layer of agency to what is essentially a career mode is a welcome change.
The other major tweak is in the GOAT Challenges. Instead of simply climbing the GOAT ladder by hitting statistical milestones, you’ll unlock specific challenges by defeating rival WNBA stars. These challenges award GOAT Points and can grant in-game perks like Skill Boosts and badge progression modifiers. This makes them more tied directly to gameplay.
Another area that has been given a facelift is The W’s social media presence in the game. NBA 2K26 has added real-life WNBA journalists such as Nekias Duncan, Myles Ehrlich, and Khristina Williams, who will comment on your career as it unfolds. It’s pretty much just a cosmetic change, and I doubt it’ll have any tangible effect on gameplay. But it’s something, I guess.
The W Online — the mode’s online component — is still present in NBA 2K26, but it’s moving away from NBA 2K25‘s community goal system and mentorship program. Instead, rewards this year are more individualized, with cosmetics like mascot outfits, costumes, and VC, the last of which is a new addition this year. There’s also a deeper connection to MyTEAM, with WNBA Player Cards, Coach Cards, and Uniform Cards now attainable through The W Online.
Overall, all I can say is this: If you liked The W in NBA 2K25, odds are you’ll like it in 2K26. However, there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of meaningful changes this year, or anything to attract the casuals.
