NBA 2K27 finally lets players share the MyCAREER experience with a friend. For the first time in the series, you can bring another player into your career and play games together instead of handling the journey alone. The system is built around Trace Miller, your Running Mate.
Co-Op MyCAREER is a new multiplayer feature that lets a friend join your existing MyCAREER experience directly online. Your friend does not create a second MyPLAYER for your save. Instead, they control Trace Miller, a teammate you meet during the story.
Trace starts as a G League player and remains part of your journey as you work toward becoming an NBA star. This makes the feature different from simply playing a regular multiplayer game. Your friend is actually helping you progress through your career.
The important part is that co-op is optional. You can play with your friend when they are available and return to solo play whenever you want.
How to Start Co-Op MyCAREER
You first need to progress through MyCAREER until Trace Miller is introduced.
Follow these basic steps:
- Start a MyCAREER save in NBA 2K27.
- Progress through the story until you meet Trace Miller.
- Choose one of the available Trace build templates.
- Continue developing Trace through gameplay.
- Invite a friend who owns NBA 2K27.
- Start a supported MyCAREER game with your friend controlling Trace.
You do not have to keep co-op active for every game. NBA 2K27 allows you to decide whether to play together on a game-by-game basis.
How Trace Miller Works
Trace is more than a temporary character. When he becomes your Running Mate, you choose one of nine build templates for him. These templates are inspired by different NBA stars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić, and others.
The selected template determines Trace’s physical foundation. As you continue playing, you can earn points that improve his attributes, Badges, and playstyle. You are shaping a second player alongside your own MyPLAYER.
When your friend joins, they take direct control of Trace. If nobody joins, artificial intelligence controls him instead, so your career does not depend on having another person online.
Can You Play the Whole Story Together?
Yes. Co-op is designed to work throughout the MyCAREER experience rather than being limited to a separate collection of games. You can experience the story alongside your friend, including the basketball action and relevant story progression.
However, co-op remains flexible. If your friend is busy, you can continue playing alone and let the AI handle Trace. Later, your friend can return and take control again.
This makes the feature useful for friends who cannot always play at the same time. You do not have to restart your career or create a separate save whenever your schedules change.
Do Both Players Earn Rewards?
One of the biggest advantages is that both players receive their own full amounts of VC and Season XP while participating in co-op. Your friend is not simply controlling a character without receiving progression.
That makes playing together more worthwhile. You can work through games as a duo while both players receive meaningful rewards from the session.
Remember that co-op requires your friend to own NBA 2K27. Online play also requires an internet connection and a 2K Account. On consoles, the required platform online subscription is separate.
The Best Way to Play Co-Op
If you want the smoothest experience, choose a Trace build that complements your MyPLAYER. A playmaking-focused Trace can help create opportunities for a scoring build, while a strong interior player can provide useful support around the basket.
Communication also matters. Call for screens, move without the ball, and avoid forcing difficult shots simply because you are playing with a friend. Treat Trace like a real teammate rather than a second controller.
