What was the title of NBA 2K17's pre-release demo?

NBA 2K17’s pre-release demo was titled The Prelude. It was a free downloadable experience that allowed players to begin parts of the MyCAREER journey before the full game launched.

The Prelude was released for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live on September 9, 2016, ahead of NBA 2K17’s September 20 release. Players could create a MyPLAYER and make early career choices, giving them a head start rather than merely offering a short exhibition match.

The title is easy to confuse with generic labels such as “demo” or with names from other sports games’ story modes. The Prelude was also significant because it marked the first time in NBA 2K history that players could start their career experience before the main game’s launch. Similar pre-release experiences appeared in later NBA 2K installments, but The Prelude is the specific name associated with NBA 2K17.