The operational lifespan of online services for NBA 2K titles is a recurring concern for players. Typically, after a period following the release of a new iteration of the game, the servers for older versions are decommissioned. This action renders online features, such as online matchmaking, online leagues, and downloadable content that relies on server authentication, inaccessible.
This server shutdown is standard practice within the video game industry. It allows developers to concentrate resources on supporting the latest release and maintaining a healthy player base on the current version. The timing of this event varies, but it generally occurs approximately two years after the initial launch of a specific NBA 2K game. Historical data from previous titles in the series suggests a consistent pattern in this regard.