NBA 2K20 is one of the most popular basketball simulation games, offering players a highly immersive experience with customizable characters and rich gameplay modes. A common question among users is whether it’s possible to change the player name after creating your MyPLAYER in NBA 2K20.
helpful tips for maintaining a desirable gamer identity throughout your NBA 2K journey.
Understanding the Player Name in NBA 2K20
When creating a new character in NBA 2K20’s MyCAREER mode, you are prompted to enter a player name. This name becomes your in-game identity and appears across various modes including MyTEAM, Neighborhood, and online matches.
The name you select is tied to your save file and the MyPLAYER profile. Because of this integration, changing the name later is not as straightforward as editing a simple username.
Why Do Players Want to Change Their 2K20 Player Name?
- Initial typos or mistakes during the creation process
- Desire to refresh their identity or brand
- Switching to a nickname or preferred name
- Privacy concerns or avoiding harassment
Despite these valid reasons, the process is often confusing and limited by the structure of the game save system.
Can You Change Your 2K20 Player Name?
The short answer: NBA 2K20 does not provide a direct, in-game option to change your MyPLAYER name once it has been set.
This restriction applies to both the console and PC versions of the game. Your MyPLAYER name is essentially locked to the save file and profile created at the start of your MyCAREER journey.
“Your MyPLAYER name is permanent for the duration of that save file. To change it, you would need to create a new MyCAREER save with the desired name.”
However, there are some nuances and exceptions depending on platform and mode, which will be covered below.
Detailed Platform-Specific Information
| Platform | Ability to Change Player Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 / 5 | No direct way to change in-game player name | Must start a new MyCAREER to pick a different name |
| Xbox One / Series X|S | No direct way to change in-game player name | Same as PlayStation; new save required |
| PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) | No direct way to change in-game player name | Save files tied to player names; new save needed |
| Mobile (NBA 2K Mobile) | Possible to change display name, limited by in-app options | Not applicable to NBA 2K20 console or PC version |
Is There Any Workaround to Change Your 2K20 Player Name?
Since the game does not allow a direct rename, players often look for alternative solutions. Here are some approaches:
Creating a New MyCAREER Save File
The most straightforward way to have a different player name is to start a new MyCAREER save. This lets you enter a new name during character creation.
Pros:
- Simple and guaranteed to work
- Allows full customization of your new character
Cons:
- You lose progress, badges, and upgrades from your original player
- Requires time investment to rebuild your player
Editing Save Files (PC Only – Risky)
Some PC users explore save file editors or modding tools to change the player name embedded in the save data. While theoretically possible, this method comes with risks:
- Can corrupt your save file
- May trigger anti-cheat flags or bans in online modes
- Requires technical knowledge and third-party software
Because of these risks, this method is not recommended for casual users.
Using Your Console’s Profile or Gamertag
Note that your console or platform username (e.g., PlayStation Network ID, Xbox Gamertag, or Steam username) is separate from your MyPLAYER name. Changing your platform username will only affect how friends see you on their friends list, but it does not change your MyPLAYER name inside NBA 2K20.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing 2K20 Player Names
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I rename my MyPLAYER mid-season? | No. Once created, the player name is fixed for that save. |
| Will changing my console username change my player name? | No, these are independent. |
| Can I transfer my progress to a new MyPLAYER with a new name? | No, progress is tied to the save file. |
| Are there any official plans from 2K to add renaming? | As of 2020 and the subsequent updates, no official feature exists. |
Why Does 2K20 Restrict Name Changes?
The restriction on changing player names is largely technical and tied to how the game manages save files and online profiles.
Because your MyPLAYER identity is linked to multiple online services, leaderboards, and in-game stats, allowing free name changes could:
- Cause confusion in online modes
- Allow players to evade bans or negative history
- Complicate matchmaking and friend interactions
Therefore, 2K Games has chosen to keep the name fixed to preserve integrity and consistency across their ecosystem.
Tips for Choosing the Right Player Name in NBA 2K20
Since your player name is permanent for the save file, it is important to choose carefully at the start.
- Keep it simple and memorable. Avoid overly complicated or offensive names.
- Check for typos before finalizing. There is no undo.
- Consider your online persona. Your MyPLAYER name represents you in all online modes.
- Use nicknames or abbreviations. If your favorite name is taken or too long, try shorter variants.
- Avoid adding personal info. Stay safe by not using your real full name or sensitive details.
What About MyTEAM Names and Nicknames?
In NBA 2K20’s MyTEAM mode, the team name and nickname you choose are separate from your MyPLAYER name. These can be changed anytime through the team management interface.
This offers some flexibility in expressing your identity or branding your team differently from your MyPLAYER name.
Summary
NBA 2K20 does not support changing your MyPLAYER name once it has been set. The only official way to have a different player name is to create a new MyCAREER save file.
While this means losing progress, it ensures consistency and avoids technical issues.
Attempting to modify save files or rely on platform username changes will not affect your in-game player name. Players are encouraged to carefully select their name when creating their MyPLAYER to avoid future regrets.
“Choosing your player name in NBA 2K20 is a commitment – choose wisely and enjoy the journey.”
Additional Resources
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| NBA 2K Official Forums | Community discussions and official announcements | forums.2k.com |
| 2K Support | Official support for account and gameplay issues | support.2k.com |
| Reddit NBA 2K Community | Fan discussions, tips, and tricks | reddit.com/r/NBA2k |
