2K Support posted back on October 20th that online features for NBA 2K21 will be shutting down at the end of December and that as of January 1st the game will no longer be available to purchase digitally.
The time has come to let you know that NBA 2K21’s servers will be discontinued as of December 31, 2022. Players will no longer be able to play ranked or online league games. Accordingly, any mode that earns or uses VC will be affected, along with any other online function (such as the MyTEAM mode and online matches against other players).
As of January 1, 2023 this game will no longer be available for purchase. Players who already own it will still be able to redownload and play offline modes, of course.
2K Support Announcement – October 20, 2022
I’ve added the shutdown date to the Watch List calendar. Thanks to the anonymous reader who pointed out the news.