Gilas jersey, FIBA teams included in NBA 2K25

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino hoops fans are in for a treat as the newly released NBA 2K25 game will have Gilas Pilipinas jerseys ready to use in gameplay, as announced during the game’s launch at the NBA Store at SM Mall of Asia on Friday.

Players can sport the official Gilas jersey by purchasing it on the MyCAREER game mode and dress their avatars while strutting their stuff at The City — where NBA 2K’s online community converges.

Wayne Ng, senior marketing manager at 2K, spoke about the inclusion of the Pilipinas jersey, which coincided with a new game mode that will have FIBA U19 teams where players can enjoy using their respective national teams.

“Obviously, FIBA is a big partner of 2K. There is actually a mode within the game where the players actually get to play the FIBA U19 teams, obviously, there were a few different countries that were under consideration in terms of the jerseys in the game… It’s the very first time we get to feature the Pilipinas jersey there, so definitely that’s something that’s very important to us,” said Ng. 

“We know there is a huge community here that’s involved in the NBA and in NBA 2K. So very happy that we have the chance to bring that to our players in the Philippines and in Asia,” he added.

Ng revealed that the Philippines is one of the biggest markets for the game, and that they are tremendously considering what the Filipinos need or want in terms of the gameplay and design.

“The Philippines is one of our biggest markets in terms of involvement, in terms of passion, and in engagement for the NBA 2K series. It’s definitely something that we are taking [as] very important and into account,” said Ng. 

“That’s why we work very closely with our partners here at the NBA to make sure that we’re reaching our fans and showing them the love for their passion of the game.”

Not only are many Filipinos fans of the game of basketball — both online and offline — some are also looking at ways in for an esports career with NBA 2K. Ahead of the game’s release, NBA 2K recently hit a milestone in the Philippines after it made its debut in collegiate league UAAP.

For Ng, it was a good sign that there will be sustainability when it comes to developing more players in the game.

“I think that’s a great step that we’ve taken — partnering with our guys at the UAAP. Having them here, showcasing their talents against the E-Gilas, that’s a next step for us to develop the next generation of esports players and NBA 2K fans,” he said.

The NBA 2K25 is available through the NBA store and other local merchants with the Standard Edition, All Star Edition and Hall of Fame Edition.

Cover athletes include NBA champion Jayson Tatum, WNBA Most Valuabele Player frontrunner A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Toronto Raptors legend Vince Carter.