NBA 2K25 spending spree raises wallet concerns

A YouTuber reveals how much he spent on NBA 2K25 microtransactions and warns others about the risk.

NBA 2K25 spending spree exposes the high cost of virtual cards

A well-known YouTuber, 2KOG, breaks down his NBA 2K25 spending over 11 months, claiming to have spent $32,831.68 (about £24,384) on in-game currency and MyTeam card packs, plus season passes. The bulk of the purchases funded virtual currency for card packs, not a guaranteed collection. Despite the large amount, he says he still does not own all cards because packs yielded duplicates. He notes that he works a regular job and earns some income from YouTube, but stresses that his stance is not a model for others to follow.

He adds that none of these purchases will carry over to the next instalment, NBA 2K26, making the entire exercise feel even more wasteful. The video has sparked a broader discussion about microtransactions in sports games and the ethics of predatory monetization, a debate that affects players and developers alike.

The episode spotlights how modern sports games monetize through ongoing purchases rather than upfront pricing. When a player can spend thousands without guaranteed returns, it raises questions about value, transparency, and consumer protection. The wider trend in gaming geography shows a shift toward long-tail monetization that relies on repeat purchases and loot-like systems, even in premium releases. Publishers must balance revenue with player trust, and platforms may face pressure to impose clearer limits on spending and more visible odds for loot outcomes.

Beyond individual wallets, the case feeds into a larger conversation about the responsibility of creators and platforms to guard players from aggressive monetization while preserving the core gameplay experience that attracts fans in the first place.

Highlights

Budget controls and clearer pricing may shape the next wave of digital card economies.