NBA 2K25‘s MyCAREER mode brings back the RISE and ELITE affiliations, who compete against each other every season to earn a REP boost and an exclusive 2x REP event. Although you can switch between affiliations after joining them, we want to help you understand the differences between them. So, who should you join in NBA 2K25, RISE or ELITE?
NBA 2K25 RISE vs. ELITE
When you first enter The City in NBA 2K25, you'll find Chris Manning and Shakedown waiting outside their affiliation bases. Speak to them to initiate the RISE vs. Elite Quest. After you finish talking to them, they'll wait outside the entrance of their respective affiliation base. Talk to either one of them to join their affiliation.
Joining an affiliation gives players access to different rewards, exclusive areas and shops, and more. But the main reason you'll want to join an affiliation is to increase your REP, and level up your affiliation rank. Each rank comes with some nice rewards that will definitely improve your MyPLAYER. For example, reaching the Veteran I rank for either RISE or Elite rewards the player with the Heat Check Booster.
Nevertheless, we'll go over each affiliation and their differences, ranks, and rewards.
RISE Affiliation Exclusive Benefits
- Rise Daily Spin Rewards
- Affiliation-Exclusive Shops, Quests, and Courts.
RISE Affiliation Progress & Rewards
| Level | Reward |
| Rookie I | |
| Rookie II | Rise Player Banner + ‘Breathe' Teammote |
| Rookie III | 10 of each Gatorade Boost and Skill Boost + Taunt Emotes |
| Rookie IV | No Shirt Option + MyCOURT Mural |
| Rookie V | 2 Extra Badge-Improving Drills after completing games in MyCAREER , the REC, or The City |
| Starter I | Two-Way Tenacity Booster |
| Starter II | Recharge Booster |
| Starter III | 5x Cap Breakers |
| Starter IV | 20 of each Skill Boost + MyPLAYER Animations |
| Starter V | Takeover Accelerator + 20 of each Gatorade Boost |
| Veteran I | Heat Check Booster + Veteran Level Prizing in Daily Rewards + Animated RISE Player Banner |
| Veteran II | 5x Cap Breakers |
| Veteran III | Metallic Body Mods + 25% off MyCAREER Apparel |
| Veteran IV | 100,000 VC + 99 of each Gatorade and Skill Boost |
| Veteran V | Big Head Body Mod + 150,000 VC |
| Legend I | Legend Level Prizing in Daily Rewards + 5x Cap Breakers |
| Legend II | Unlimited Skill Boosts + 250,000 VC |
| Legend III | Unlimited Gatorade Boosts + 500,000 VC |
| Legend IV | 1,000,000 VC + First 100 Players Receive Free Digital Copy of NBA 2K26 |
| Legend V | 10,000,000 VC |
ELITE Exclusive Benefits
- Elite Daily Spin Rewards
- Affiliation Exclusive Shops, Quests, and Courts
ELITE Affiliation Progression & Rewards
| Level | Reward |
| Rookie I | |
| Rookie II | ELITE Player Banner + ‘Breathe' Teammote |
| Rookie III | 10 of each Gatorade Boost and Skill Boost + Taunt Emotes |
| Rookie IV | No Shirt Option + MyCOURT Mural |
| Rookie V | 2 Extra Badge-Improving Drills after completing games in MyCAREER , the REC, or The City |
| Starter I | Two-Way Tenacity Booster |
| Starter II | Recharge Booster |
| Starter III | 5x Cap Breakers |
| Starter IV | 20 of each Skill Boost + MyPLAYER Animations |
| Starter V | Takeover Accelerator + 20 of each Gatorade Boost |
| Veteran I | Heat Check Booster + Veteran Level Prizing in Daily Rewards + Animated ELITE Player Banner |
| Veteran II | 5x Cap Breakers |
| Veteran III | Metallic Body Mods + 25% off MyCAREER Apparel |
| Veteran IV | 100,000 VC + 99 of each Gatorade and Skill Boost |
| Veteran V | Big Head Body Mod + 150,000 VC |
| Legend I | Legend Level Prizing in Daily Rewards + 5x Cap Breakers |
| Legend II | Unlimited Skill Boosts + 250,000 VC |
| Legend III | Unlimited Gatorade Boosts + 500,000 VC |
| Legend IV | 1,000,000 VC + First 100 Players Receive Free Digital Copy of NBA 2K26 |
| Legend V | 10,000,000 VC |
Which Affiliation Should You Join in NBA 2K25 – RISE or ELITE?
Unlike NBA 2K24, there's not as much of a difference between the two affiliations this year. Since you can technically unlock abilities like Heat Check on either side, it all comes down to your preference. Therefore, most of the changes are mostly cosmetic. If you prefer an aquatic theme, check out ELITE. If you like mechs, play for RISE.
That said, we definitely recommend you join an affiliation in NBA 2K25. The benefits that come with it are too much to be ignored.
Can You Change your Affiliation?
You can change your affiliation later on, but keep note of a few things:
- Any REP you earned with your previous affiliation resets
- Your current quests reset, and you can't do your new affiliation's quests until the next season
- You won't be able to transfer back until the next season
Therefore, take your time when deciding which affiliation you want to join. But whatever you do, make sure to join one!
Why You Should Join an Affiliation in NBA 2K25
Affiliations reward the player in more ways than one every season. Firstly, both sides compete against each other every season. The winner earns a REP Boost along with their own exclusive 2x REP Event. This should help players trying to reach the next level. Furthermore, Affiliation quests reward players with sweet items and even VC.
Overall, that includes everything you need to know about both affiliations this year in NBA 2K25. Although they're not as different this year than they were in NBA 2K24, you should still join one. Take your time, and decide when you're ready. May the best affiliation win!
If you want more NBA 2K25 content, check out how to earn some VC before even heading out into The City! Furthermore, make sure to watch the latest episode of 2KTV to earn more rewards. Lastly, keep checking your Seasons rewards page to find out what new items you can earn in Season 1.
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