WNBA, WNBPA and 2K agree to extend groundbreaking partnership to further elevate women’s basketball in gaming
NEW YORK – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and 2K, a label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced an agreement in principle for a multiyear partnership extension that will continue to expand the presence and impact of the WNBA and its players within the world of gaming.
Since the WNBA’s first appearance in NBA 2K20 released in 2019, this partnership powered by the league’s and the players’ growing influence, has helped usher women’s basketball into new digital spaces, giving millions of fans the chance to connect with their favorite players and teams in authentic, immersive ways. The partnership will ensure deeper storytelling, enhanced game modes, and new avenues for global fan engagement.
“2K is where millions of young fans deepen their interest and fall further in love with the game of basketball. That’s why this partnership is so important,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “As the WNBA continues to reach new milestones on the court and across fandom, our presence in NBA 2K ensures that our league and athletes are visible, celebrated, and inspiring the next generation of WNBA fans around the world.”
“This is a defining moment for women’s basketball,” said Terri Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA. “Our players continue to raise the bar, and this renewed partnership with 2K ensures their impact is felt not just on the court, but across culture, gaming and the global growth of the sport. This expansion will elevate the entire league and the women who power it. It’s also a recognition of the players’ business value and their role in driving the future of the game.”
“We are very pleased to continue our partnership with the WNBA,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive. “I would like to thank Cathy Engelbert, Terri Jackson, and all our partners at the WNBA and WNBPA for helping to make our beloved NBA 2K franchise successful, authentic, and representative for all who play and love the game of basketball.”
In the latest edition, NBA 2K25, the WNBA mode saw record-setting engagement: a 43% increase in users and a 388% spike in games played. These numbers reflect the surging demand for women’s basketball content and the league’s expanding footprint within the gaming ecosystem. 2K continues to invest in gameplay features, storytelling, and customization to elevate the player experience for WNBA fans. Additionally, cover athletes like A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty) along with WNBA Legends Candace Parker, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi have helped bring star power, personality, and cultural relevance to the 2K franchise – inspiring fans and gamers to engage with the WNBA. WNBA players’ leadership has helped ensure they are not only featured in NBA 2K, but represented with the depth and authenticity their talent and impact deserve.
About the WNBA
Currently in its 29th season, the WNBA celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it. The league was ranked by Morning Consult as the fastest-growing brand in 2024, and No. 4 on Fast Company’s list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2025, on its way to setting records for engagement on social and digital platforms, attendance, merchandise sales and unique viewers across its broadcast partners. The WNBA’s commitment to societal impact is supported by the first-of-its-kind WNBA Changemaker Collective, a group of purpose-driven companies that have partnered with the WNBA to enhance the player experience, build the brand of the league and players, inspire innovation and connectivity, increase media coverage and visibility, and help drive the league’s business transformation. Ally, AT&T, Carmax, Deloitte, Google, and Nike are part of the WNBA Changemaker Collective.
About the WNBPA
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is the union for current women’s professional basketball players in the WNBA. The WNBPA is the first labor union for professional women athletes. It was created in 1998 to protect the rights of players and assist them in achieving their full potential on and off the court. The WNBPA handles the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, filing grievances on their behalf, and counseling players on benefits and post-WNBA career opportunities. The WNBPA also serves as a resource for current players, while they are competing internationally during the offseason. The WNBPA encourages players to participate in union activities – including executive leadership roles, team representative positions, and global community outreach initiatives.
About 2K
Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, Gearbox and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K; renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises, TopSpin as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2K.com and on the Company’s official social media channels.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. We develop and publish products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, and Zynga. Our products are designed for console gaming systems, mobile, including smartphones and tablets, and PC. We deliver our products through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The agreement in principle described above is subject to execution of definitive agreements. Statements contained herein that are not historical facts (including with respect to such agreements) are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including risks relating to the completion of definitive agreements with the WNBA relating to the extension of our NBA 2K partnership described above; the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games; risks relating to conducting business internationally, including as a result of unforeseen geopolitical events; the impact of changes in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks, including on our short-term investment portfolio; the impact of inflation; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on key management and product development personnel; our dependence on our NBA 2K and Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles; our ability to leverage opportunities on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S; factors affecting our mobile business, such as player acquisition costs; and the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games.
Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.