NBA 2K26 Guide: How to Complete the Passion Project and Claim All Rewards
This guide covers everything you need to know about Passion Projects in NBA 2K26: how to unlock them, how to complete each type, and what rewards you can expect for investing your time.
What Are Passion Projects in NBA 2K26?
Passion Projects are narrative-driven side quests in MyCAREER that let you explore your MyPLAYER's life outside of basketball. Instead of only focusing on becoming an NBA superstar, you can branch into other fields like music, fashion, community service, business, or gaming. Each project is tied to a storyline with NPC interactions, objectives, and a reward path.
Think of them as "choose-your-path" side careers. While not mandatory, they offer powerful bonuses:
Extra VC and NBA 2K26 MT from completed milestones.
Unique gear and clothing exclusive to certain projects.
Boosted fan and brand rep, which can unlock endorsement deals.
Gameplay perks like attribute boosts or badge progression bonuses.
How to Unlock Passion Projects
You won't have access to Passion Projects the moment you create your MyPLAYER. They unlock as you progress in MyCAREER. Here's how to start:
Complete the Introductory Games
After the NBA Draft and your first few regular season appearances, you'll be introduced to off-court opportunities. A manager or mentor NPC will explain that your growing profile gives you leverage to branch out.
Reach a Fan Threshold
Passion Projects typically unlock once you reach 250,000 fans (or complete a handful of key story quests). This shows that your MyPLAYER has enough visibility to invest in side ventures.
Visit the City Hub
Head into The City (or the Neighborhood, if you're on current-gen). Passion Projects are tracked by NPCs spread throughout different districts. For example, you might find the fashion mentor near the shopping strip, or the music producer at the recording studio.
Choose Your First Project
You can engage in multiple Passion Projects eventually, but the game encourages you to commit to one at a time. Your initial choice will shape early rewards and story arcs.
Types of Passion Projects
There are several distinct tracks for Passion Projects in NBA 2K26. Each caters to a different personality archetype for your player. Here's a breakdown:
1. Music Career (The Rap or Producer Path)
Overview: Record tracks, perform in shows, and collaborate with artists.
Objectives: Complete studio mini-games, freestyle battles, and promotional appearances.
Rewards: Exclusive music-themed apparel, VC payouts, and boosts to style/fashion rep.
Best For: Players who want to unlock custom gear and boost their social presence in The City.
2. Fashion & Style
Overview: Build your player's image as a style icon. Walk in runway events, design outfits, and partner with brands.
Objectives: Complete outfit challenges, participate in photoshoots, and attend virtual fashion events.
Rewards: Branded clothing, discounts at in-game stores, endorsement deals, and more fans.
Best For: Players who care about customizing looks and dominating the off-court scene.
3. Business & Entrepreneurship
Overview: Invest in startups, create a clothing line, or run your own brand.
Objectives: Choose investment options, complete mini-business simulations, and meet with advisors.
Rewards: Increased VC earning rates, passive income from businesses, and connections with brand reps.
Best For: Players looking to maximize VC and long-term progression.
4. Community Activism
Overview: Support local initiatives, build basketball courts, or run charity events.
Objectives: Play pickup games for charity, attend community events, and donate VC.
Rewards: Unique community-driven apparel, boosts to teammate chemistry, and rep with fans.
Best For: Players focused on roleplay, team dynamics, and immersive storytelling.
5. Gaming & Streaming
Overview: Build a streaming career alongside basketball. Compete in tournaments and engage with fans online.
Objectives: Play mini-games in arcade hubs, complete streaming challenges, and interact with NPC "chat."
Rewards: Gamer-themed clothing, in-game emotes, extra VC from streams, and bonuses to rep.
Best For: Players who like a lighter, fun side hustle with cosmetic-driven rewards.
How to Complete Passion Projects
Completing Passion Projects isn't just about checking boxes. Each one has multiple phases that unlock as you progress in your NBA career. Here's the general structure:
Initial Questline
Introduces you to the project.
Usually involves meeting a mentor NPC and doing one simple task (like visiting a studio or putting on a sponsored outfit).
Progression Challenges
Spread out across your NBA seasons.
Examples: Record three tracks, score 20 points while wearing branded gear, or stream for a certain number of in-game hours.
Major Milestone Events
These are cinematic events tied to your career arc.
Example: A live concert, a fashion show, or a community charity game.
Completing these solidifies your progress and unlocks bigger rewards. You can also buy NBA 2K26 MT Coins to finish faster.
Completion & Ongoing Rewards
Once finished, you'll earn a permanent badge, a major VC payout, and special cosmetics.
You can still replay events or get passive benefits (like income or rep boosts).
Rewards Breakdown
Rewards vary by project, but here are some common categories you can expect:
Virtual Currency (VC): Anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 VC depending on milestones.
Unique Apparel: Branded gear, streetwear, custom jerseys, or themed items.
Badges & Boosts: Some projects grant permanent attribute or badge progression bonuses.
Fans & Rep: Faster fan gain and stronger endorsements.
Passive Income: Business-related projects can give you steady VC over time.
A few standout rewards include:
Music Track Jersey (exclusive to Music path).
Runway Walk Animation (Fashion path).
Entrepreneur Perk (+10% VC on endorsements, Business path).
Team Chemistry Buff (Community path).
Custom Gaming Setup for Apartment (Gaming path).
Tips for Maximizing Passion Projects
Pick the Right First Project
If you need VC early, go with Business. If you care about looks, start with Fashion. For roleplay, pick Community.
Balance with MyCAREER Games
Passion Project milestones often overlap with gameplay. For example, wearing a brand's outfit while dropping 30 points kills two birds with one stone.
Don't Ignore Endorsements
Some endorsements tie directly to your project progress. Signing with a fashion brand might unlock faster clothing rewards.
Use The City Efficiently
Fast travel between locations to cut down on grind. NPCs often spawn in different districts depending on the project.
Mix and Match
Once you finish one project, start another. Stacking rewards ensures your MyPLAYER stays ahead in both VC and fan rep.
Final Thoughts
Passion Projects in NBA 2K26 are more than just filler side quests-they're a way to shape your MyPLAYER's identity beyond the hardwood. Whether you're spitting bars in the studio, building your fashion empire, or reinvesting VC into a startup, each project offers meaningful rewards that tie back into your basketball career.
If you focus on completing them steadily alongside your NBA season, you'll end up with a wealthier, more popular, and better-equipped MyPLAYER who stands out both on and off the court. Choose wisely, commit to the grind, and reap the rewards-because in NBA 2K26, your passion pays dividends.