Check out their activations this weekend with the family!
Hey, if you’re in the Bay Area, and you care about basketball and video games, this is the most must-read article you’re gonna see. I sat down with the immortal Ronnie 2K. If you don’t know, he’s from the Bay and he’s the man when it comes to the world of NBA 2K, the greatest video game franchise of all time. And I say that with all sobriety and sincerity, as a man who once loved NBA Live with a passion.
Ronnie 2K, whose real name is Ronnie Singh, is the digital marketing director and public face of the NBA 2K franchise. He has played a key role in growing the game’s presence through influencer collaborations, social media engagement, and community-driven events. With over 17 years at 2K, Ronnie has become a prominent figure in gaming and basketball culture, bridging the gap between the virtual and real-life NBA experience.
ALSO, if you’re in the Bay Area and love hoops and 2K, you need to absolutely head over to “The Court”, a joint brand activation with Sony Interactive Entertainment and NBA 2K located at The Mint (88 5th St, San Francisco). Here are the dates and times:
- Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Folks, it’s popping over there. I walked into a red carpet photo shoot, got a custom t-shirt made, got to shoot a few hoops Connect 4 style, and I ran into Victor Wembanyama randomly playing 2K with Ronnie.
Step into The Court, where NBA 2K and PlayStation are teaming up to drop you straight into the big leagues—no draft necessary. For one weekend only, you’re not just a fan; you’re moving like the legends, flexing like the stars, and living the game at the highest level. Hit photo ops worthy of your personal highlight reel, test your skills in All-Star-inspired challenges, get fresh with on-site barbers and nail artists, and cop exclusive custom merch. Play like an All-Star. Be legendary.
And if that’s not cool enough, my guy Ronnie sat down and chopped it up about all things Warriors, 2K, and real life. Check it out!
Daniel: Last time we chatted, we talked about Klay Thompson being an all-time Warriors great. In fact, you mentioned that if you had to pick a starting five, Klay would make that list. So, being a Bay Area guy, was it weird emotionally to see Klay in a different jersey? Or did you feel like it was time for him to move on?
Ronnie: He’s still in my all-time Warriors starting five—no doubt about that. His departure was definitely strange. I mean, he was a huge part of a very successful run for that franchise. But we’re constantly reminded that the NBA is a business. If player movement weren’t happening, it would actually be more shocking.
Every year, about 40% of the league turns over to new teams, which is a crazy number. But it also makes NBA 2K more exciting. Just the other day, I played Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs against the Lakers, and I got to use Luka on the Lakers for the first time.
Daniel: How was that?
Ronnie: That team is a lot of fun to play with—so many scoring options from anywhere on the floor. That’s what’s great about our franchise. But as a fan, of course, you want your favorite players to stay with one team for their whole career. That’s what fandom is about.
Growing up in the Bay, the Warriors were my team, but it was tough because they’d put together a solid roster and then trade guys away. As a fan, you crave loyalty. That’s why the past decade-plus with Steph as the face of the franchise has been so special. It’s what makes being a Warriors fan really cool.
Daniel: Absolutely. Speaking of that, I love playing franchise mode in 2K. My boys call me the unofficial Adam Silver—just with a little more hair. I always step in and veto crazy trades. So, from a 2K standpoint, when you saw the Luka-for-AD trade, what were your thoughts?
Ronnie: Well, a bunch of fans actually made videos trying to process that trade in our league mode, and the system declined it—that tells you everything you need to know.
Ronnie: The way Twitter was buzzing about that trade, it seemed like most people were on the same page. I was in total disbelief. Until I saw a few reliable confirmations, I couldn’t believe it was real. But hopefully, both teams will develop and grow from it. If AD stays healthy, we might see the benefits of that trade. In principle, pairing Kyrie with AD makes a lot of sense. But as always, time will tell.
Daniel: Absolutely. So, this year, who’s your go-to squad in 2K?
Ronnie: I actually like playing with the Spurs. When I played against Wemby, he picked them immediately. I was like, “Of course you are.” I enjoy teams that have a great pick-and-roll dynamic. Chris Paul with a dominant big is always fun. I love running pick-and-pop plays, and doing that with LeBron and Luka is a blast too.
Daniel: You and that 1-3 pick-and-pop, huh?
Ronnie: Yeah! What’s great about the game this year is that the league has so much parity. There are at least six teams that could legitimately win a championship, so there are plenty of exciting teams to use.
Daniel: If you had to pick an all-time favorite 2K team to play with, who would it be?
Ronnie: It’s a bit of a random one, but I really loved the ‘07-‘08 Houston Rockets. You had T-Mac, Yao Ming, Shane Battier, Bobby Jackson, Luis Scola. There was one game where I went 12-for-12 with Scola! That team was just so much fun—great rim protection, an unbelievable athlete in T-Mac at his prime. Of course, everyone talks about the ‘95-‘96 Bulls or the early 2000s Lakers, but that Rockets squad is my sneaky fun pick.
Daniel: That’s a damn good team. And going 12-for-12 with Scola? You must be a real 2K hooper.
Ronnie: Had to do it!
Daniel: When you first entered this industry, what was your goal? What were you looking to accomplish?
Ronnie: Honestly, I was searching for something I was passionate about—something that would keep my interest. I’ve always been very entrepreneurial, always thinking about how industries work. Gaming was fascinating to me because people used to view it as a solitary activity, but I always saw it as a way to compete and connect with others.
I joined 2K 17 years ago. We just celebrated our 26th anniversary. Being part of a team like Visual Concepts and working with so many great people has been an amazing challenge. Every day, we find new ways to reach new audiences, blending basketball with culture, fashion, and music. That’s what makes this game special.
Daniel: Yeah, but being the face of it must come with challenges too—especially when things don’t go well.
Ronnie: Of course. But that’s true for anyone in the public eye. Athletes put themselves out there; if they have a bad game, their social media blows up with criticism. It’s the same for me. But looking at what we’ve built over these 27 years, I couldn’t be prouder.
As an annualized title, I don’t think any game innovates as well as Visual Concepts does. That’s why our game keeps growing and remains a cultural phenomenon. It’s not just a video game—it stirs emotions in kids and adults alike. Being part of that for 17 years still excites me every day.
Daniel: Some people say that major franchises like 2K, Madden, and Call of Duty release the same game every year and people buy it regardless. But as a gamer, I know there are real differences. For this year’s 2K, what’s something you’re really proud of?
Ronnie: So much. We brought back Rise vs. Elite, revamped the city—made it smaller but more organized, which has been well received. Gameplay mechanics are top-notch, and MyTeam has a lot of new innovations. We really went all-in for 2K25, and we’re excited to push even further for 2K26.
Daniel: Looking ahead, what’s something you still want to accomplish in this industry?
Ronnie: These days, I’m focused on how we can use our platform to give back. Through the 2K Foundations program, we’ve done 52 court refurbishments across six continents. Last year, I did one in India, which was really meaningful to me.
Tomorrow, I’m hosting a huge event with Make-A-Wish for kids who love 2K. My goal is to keep inspiring the next generation to feel the same passion for basketball and gaming that I’ve had for the last 17 years.
Daniel: That’s incredible. Now, bringing it back to the Warriors—since I write for a Warriors publication—what do you think their ceiling is this year, especially with Jimmy Butler now in the mix?
Ronnie: Initially, I wasn’t sure if it was a major improvement, but I had forgotten how good Jimmy is in the playoffs. He complements Steph perfectly. In the first game, Steph hit eight threes while Jimmy went 11-for-13—all from two-point range. That inside-out dynamic is key. Steph thrives when the floor is spaced, but since Klay left, he hasn’t had a player like Jimmy to take that pressure off. Warriors fans should be excited.
Daniel: With All-Star Weekend bringing folks to the Bay, any advice for visitors?
Ronnie: San Francisco is a beautiful city—great food, culture, and a lot happening near the arena in Dogpatch. Also, Sony and 2K are hosting a big event at The Mint. We’ve got NBA stars stopping by all weekend. If you want to be on the cover of 2K25, come check it out!
Daniel: Awesome, man. Appreciate you!
Ronnie: Likewise!
Alright folks, there you have it. Here’s a couple other things to keep in mind this weekend!
NBA 2K “NBA All-Star Back in the Bay” Mural
- WHAT: In addition to The Court, NBA 2K is celebrating the return of NBA All-Star Weekend to the Bay Area after 25 years. This year, fans saw the legendary Vince Carter’s famous dunk from the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest in Oakland grace the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame cover, and it’s being honored once again in an “NBA All-Star Back In The Bay” mural. Featuring NBA All-Star legends, iconic Bay Area landmarks, and hidden 2K easter eggs – the mural is a celebration of 2K, basketball, culture and the Bay Area.
- WHERE: 11th and Folsom St. in San Francisco
- WHEN: Fans and Bay Area residents can check out the mural now through February 28
- WHO: The piece was created by Mink Couteaux, a professional illustrator and basketball fan who first started his love of 2K with NBA 2K7.
NBA 2K x NBPA HoopBus @ Spark Social
- WHAT: NBA 2K and the NBA Players Association will bring the Hoopbus to Spark Social, enabling fans to engage and participate in basketball activities daily. The Hoopbus will feature NBA 2K25 gaming stations inside, and basketball games (ex. knockout) with opportunities for prizes outside. Fans can also look forward to daily slam dunk shows with local basketball influencers.
- WHERE: Spark Social SF on the way to Chase Center
- 601 Mission Bay Boulevard North, San Francisco, CA 94158
- WHEN: Open daily Feb 14-16
- 11:00am-6:00pm PT