Change your 2K username through your console or PC account settings

Your NBA 2K username is tied to your console account (PlayStation, Xbox) or your PC gaming platform (Steam). To change it, you do not go through 2K Sports directly — you change the account name on the system where you play. The steps differ depending on whether you play on PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam, but the result is the same: your new name appears in 2K the next time you log in.

On PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4, go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Profile Name. You can change it once for free; after that, each change costs $9.99. On Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360, go to Settings, then Account, then Manage Account, then Gamertag. Your first change is free, and subsequent changes cost $9.99 each. On Steam, right-click your profile name in the top-left corner, select Edit Profile, and change your Profile Name — this can be done as many times as you want at no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Your 2K username lives on your console or Steam account, not in the 2K game itself, so you change it where you log in.
  • PlayStation and Xbox allow one free name change, then charge $9.99 for each change after that.
  • Steam lets you change your profile name as many times as you want without paying.
  • The new name shows up in 2K within minutes of changing it on your system account.
  • Your MyPlayer card, team affiliation, and game progress stay the same — only the name changes.

PlayStation name change step by step

Start at the home screen and open Settings. Scroll down to Account and select it. Choose Other, then Change Your Profile Name. Type your new name into the text box — it can be up to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. PlayStation will check whether the name is already taken; if it is, you will see a message and can try another one.

Once you confirm the change, it takes effect when ready. Your 2K game will show the new name the next time you start it. If you have already used your one free change, the system will ask you to pay $9.99 before proceeding. You can change your name again after 30 days.

Xbox name change step by step

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to Profile & System, then Settings. Select Account, then Manage Account, then Gamertag. Select Change Gamertag. Type your new name — it can be 3 to 15 characters and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens (no spaces or special characters). Xbox will show you whether the name is available.

Confirm the change and it will be live within minutes. Your first change is free; after that, each change costs $9.99. You must wait 30 days between changes. The new gamertag appears in 2K the next time you launch the game.

Steam name change step by step

Open Steam and look at the top-left corner of the window, where your current profile name appears. Right-click on it and select Edit Profile. Under Profile Name, click the pencil icon next to your current name. Type your new name in the text box — Steam allows up to 32 characters, including spaces and most special characters. Click Save and the change is live when ready.

Steam does not charge for name changes and does not limit how often you can change it. Your new name shows up in 2K within a few minutes. If you change your mind, you can change it back the same way.

What stays the same when you change your username

Changing your account name does not affect your MyPlayer card, your team affiliation, your VC (Virtual Currency) balance, or any of your game progress. Your stats, achievements, and unlocked items all remain exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is the name that appears above your player in games and on leaderboards.

If you play online with friends, they will see your new name the next time you play together. Your friends list does not break — they will still be able to find and message you under your new name.

Restrictions and waiting periods

On PlayStation and Xbox, you must wait 30 days between name changes. If you change your name and then want to change it again, you cannot do so for a month. Steam has no waiting period — you can change your name as often as you want.

All platforms check whether your chosen name violates their code of conduct. Names that include slurs, hate speech, or impersonation of real people or celebrities will be rejected. If your name is reported by other players and found to violate the code of conduct, the platform may force a name change and require you to choose a new one the next time you log in.

If you forgot your account password

You cannot change your username if you cannot log into your account. If you have forgotten your PlayStation password, go to the PlayStation sign-in page, select "Can't sign in?", and follow the recovery steps — you will need access to the email address linked to your account. For Xbox, go to the Xbox sign-in page and select "Forgot my password" — again, you will need your recovery email. For Steam, go to the Steam sign-in page and select "I forgot my password."

Recovery usually takes a few minutes if you have access to your email. If you no longer have access to the email address on file, contact PlayStation Support, Xbox Support, or Steam Support directly — they can verify your identity through other means and help you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my 2K username without changing my console account name?

No. Your 2K username is your console or Steam account name — there is no separate 2K username to change. If you want a different name in 2K, you must change your account name on PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list does not break when you change your name. They will see your new name the next time you play together, and they can still message and invite you to games using your new name.

How long does it take for my new name to show up in 2K?

Usually a few minutes. After you change your name on your console or Steam account, close 2K completely and restart it. Your new name should appear when you log back in.

Can I change my name back to my old one?

Yes, but on PlayStation and Xbox you will have to pay $9.99 if you have already used your free change. On Steam, you can change it back at any time without paying. You must wait 30 days between changes on PlayStation and Xbox.

What if my desired username is already taken?

The system will tell you the name is unavailable and ask you to choose a different one. Try adding numbers, hyphens, or underscores to make it unique. On Steam, you can also use spaces in your name, which gives you more options.