NBA 2K16: Review of New MyGM and MyLeague Features

If you buy sports games for the franchise mode experience, you won't find a better option than NBA 2K16. The feature set is stacked in this area, and the two returning modes offer just about every type of experience franchise mode lovers crave.

In MyGM, you take control of one team the same as you did in the past, but this year, there's the addition of a summer league, rookie showcase games, improved draft presentation and the option to relocate your franchise.

That last bit shouldn't be dismissed. This is not some simple, meaningless switch that doesn't translate well from a presentation standpoint. The relocation of a team in MyGM is a process filled with realism and awesomeness.

You must first put in an application for relocation with the league. Then, the other owners must approve it, and there are several factors that play a role in the approval process. Proximity to other NBA franchises is just one example.

Once you get the go-ahead to relocate, you have the opportunity to completely rebrand your team.

Again, this is not some cookie-cutter tool that barely allows you to make any real changes. This is a full team-creation suite that is beyond anything we've seen in sports video games since the NCAA Football series introduced Team Builder.

Gamers have full control over the new team name, city, arena, colors, uniforms and logo. Best of all, you can upload any image onto NBA2K.com to serve as your logo. That logo can be scaled, layered and placed on any part of the uniform, at center court, on the scorer's table and even on the scoreboard.

You're still in charge of building a championship team, increasing revenue and maintaining a positive relationship with players, staff, media, fans and other general managers as well.

As has been the case in the past, MyLeague doesn't have as many of the role-playing game aspects, but the level of customization is staggering. You can set every key aspect of your league, from the length of the schedule and games to the frequency and severity of injuries to the type of salary cap used in the game.

Instead of controlling just one team, you can make all 30 teams human controlled. The option to relocate all 30 teams exists, and no league approval is needed to move teams in MyLeague. Just move the teams when and where you want to.

NBA 2K16's awesome roster editor also returns, which means you can customize the players and teams who will be included in your MyGM and MyLeague experience.

All in all, the franchise mode features aspects of NBA 2K16 that are nearly perfect.