Is NBA 2K back to being in the good graces of fans? Despite being the most popular video game for decades, it has come under fire due to focusing too much on micro aspects. While there’s efforts made to improve animations, however, the game brings with it the usual bugs and errors. 2K hoped to revive its image through the launch of NBA 2K25, which emphasized player models, by placing Jayson Tatum and A’ja Wilson on the official cover art for the first time. Kai Cenat also surprisingly has his player scan. That meant several major hoop legends like Charles Barkley were excluded, which really hasn’t helped the path 2K seems to have embarked upon.

The official X account of Overtime highlighted a scanned model of renowned YouTuber Kai Cenat present in NBA 2K25! In a game recording, the gamer found Cenat by heading to the ‘My Player’ option. The Youtuber himself was surprised upon seeing himself in the game, jumping out of the seat during a live stream all elated, calling his mom, and celebrating with the rest of his crew.

While Cenat felt honored to be a part of NBA 2K25, he felt that the developers could do more to make the game more enjoyable and immersive for other basketball fans. “Can you please put the n—– who actually deserve to be scanned in the game, in the game!” he demanded. He later reiterated his point on X by telling Ronnie 2K 25, “Now put all the real 2k goats/creators in the game, please!”

Cenat’s remarks came just as the list of NBA players who were excluded from NBA 2K25 dropped. Charles Barkley, Andre Iguodala, Rasheed Wallace, and 22 other hoopers were among them. Under the terms of the agreement that NBA 2K25 has with the official league and players’ association, licensed players are present. The same rule does not apply to retired players.

However, this hasn’t stopped developers from adding big names like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to the game. Furthermore, NBA 2K does not seem to have wasted any time, as Iguodala retired from the NBA in 2023!

For those questioning why Charles Barkley continues to be excluded, with the legend only being present in NBA 2K13, there is a reason behind the same. In September 2023, a few days after the launch of 2K24, Barkley made an appearance on Brandon Scoop B Robinson’s podcast to highlight the pay discrepancy between former and current players, for the game to use the image likeness.

Describing the pay they receive as “chump change”, Charles Barkley went on to state, “Unless they give the retired players x-amount of money they cannot use my likeness. And I think I’m not even going to think about that anymore. They’re gonna give some money to the retired players, or they’ll never be able to use my likeness, period.” Unfortunately, 2K not agreeing to Charles Barkley’s suggestion resulted in both entities not being able to land on a mutually agreed financial agreement. The only reason the Chuckster was able to make an appearance in 2K13 was due to his role in the 1992 Olympics ‘Dream Team’ which the game was highlighting.

Despite being one of the most prominent faces of the 90s NBA, Reggie Miller has also not been included in even one edition. The Pacers legend advocated for better pay for former players, which has prevented any deal to materialize between him and the video game makers. With Iguodala’s snub being fresh, the exact reason behind it isn’t yet known. However, both Barkley and Miller are sacrificing a good payday for a noble cause.

It’s a fight that even Kai Cenat may even choose to align with as he urges developers to make the sport-focused change. After all, looking at how the active players earn from the game, it would not be unreasonable to redirect some of it toward the retirees.

How much do ‘active’ players make from NBA 2K?

Contrary to what some might believe, NBA players are not paid individually by 2K for their likeness to be used. Instead, a series of licensing agreements between the league and 2K provides a bulk amount that is later distributed to players and franchises alike.

Back in January 2022, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of 2K, reached a 7-year renewal agreement with the NBA and the NBPA, the labor union for league players. According to the agreement, a whopping $1.1 billion would be paid over the period, with an average of $157 million coming in every year. Since league bylaws state that the NBA and NBPA will equally split any revenues that come from licensing agreements and/or merchandise, both entities would receive almost $78 million annually.

By excluding the operating expenses, the NBPA distributes the amount to retired player pensions, while the rest goes to active players.

The criteria used to determine how the money is distributed is not known, since not everything from the agreement has been disclosed. However, a report by Expert Beacon puts the average payment out at $100,000+ if the average salary of the 450 NBA players is placed at $60 million over the period stipulated in the agreement.

Further, it can be stipulated that a player’s ratings, and their current salary, play a role in how much they receive. As a result, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the only three players who hold the highest 2K rating of 97, may be compensated more than their counterparts. Being the main player on the cover art of the recent game, Jayson Tatum may also earn a higher stipend.

While gamers would choose to play with modern players, many others would like to dive into the pool of nostalgia and relive the glory days of the NBA legends. Therefore, NBA 2K should take up Charles Barkley’s suggestion to make their games enjoyable for everyone.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.