Fastest Way to Unlock Pink Diamond Players in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM How to grind (or spend) your way to Pink Diamonds early in Season 1

Every year, MyTEAM becomes a race to collect the highest-rated cards as quickly as possible. In NBA 2K26, Pink Diamond players are among the most sought-after early rewards, but unlocking them requires serious dedication. Thankfully, the new Gauntlet mode offers a grindable path to your first free Pink Diamond.

🏀 Step 1: Earn a Season 1 Gauntlet Event Card

The grind begins in Gauntlet, a new 100-game mode inside MyTEAM’s Breakout.

Play single-player Triple Threat or Clutch Time matchups.
You can only use each card once across the entire 100-game run.
Use Free Agent cards strategically (their charges are consumed).
Complete in-game challenges (like securing rebounds) to revive used cards for future matches.

Survive all 100 games in one run, and you’ll earn a Season 1 Gauntlet Event Card.

🏆 Step 2: Exchange for a Mode Completion Event Card

Once you’ve got your Gauntlet Event Card, head to The Exchange and trade it for a Season 1 Mode Completion Event Card. This unlocks the option to choose your reward.

🎁 Step 3: Redeem for Pink Diamond Rewards

The Mode Completion Event Card can be exchanged for one of several top-tier rewards, including three Pink Diamond players:

96 OVR Jason Kidd (PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks)
96 OVR Glen Rice (SF/PF, Charlotte Hornets)
96 OVR Jack Sikma (C/PF, Seattle Supersonics)

Other reward options include:

Game On 10 Pack Box
95+ OVR Hidden Gems Pack
Legend Badge Option Pack (Pick 3)
50,000 MT

Note: Most rewards can only be redeemed once, but every completed Gauntlet run earns another Event Card, letting you keep grinding for more.

💸 Can You Pay Instead?

Of course, the shortcut is buying premium packs with VC (especially if you pre-ordered and have bonus VC). But for players who don’t want to spend, Gauntlet is the grindable path to your first Pink Diamond.

🔥 The Bottom Line

Unlocking Pink Diamond players in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM isn’t easy, but the Gauntlet mode provides a clear, skill-based path to elite cards without needing to pay. Whether you choose Jason Kidd, Glen Rice, or Jack Sikma, your first Pink Diamond will give your lineup a massive boost early in Season 1.