Digital Social Hour – Episode Summary

Podcast: Digital Social Hour
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Ronnie 2K (Ronnie Singh, Face of NBA 2K)
Episode: Ronnie2K Explains Why NBA 2K Is Bigger Than Basketball | DSH #1699
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Ronnie 2K to discuss his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to global notoriety as the face of NBA 2K. They explore the surging cultural influence of NBA 2K, Ronnie's new ventures, and his thoughts on basketball's evolution both on and off the court. The episode is lively, candid, and filled with insight into gaming, fashion, sports culture, and Ronnie's personal drive.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ronnie’s Roots & Upcoming Documentary

• Ronnie shares his background as a brown kid who “didn’t have a lot” and faced harassment growing up.
• A documentary about his life is in the works, directed by a high school friend.
• Quote (00:00):
  • “Very, very dope that that story is going to get told from me being a kid, a brown kid who didn't have a lot, you know, getting harassed for being brown. And now how does that prepare me to be Ronnie 2K, the face of...the most popular video game franchise in the world.” – Ronnie 2K

2. Fashion Ventures: Launching ‘Levels’

• Ronnie has launched a new company, Levels: an experiential, three-level space near the Chase Center in San Francisco.
• Levels partners with emerging and big-name fashion brands for marketing and storytelling opportunities.
• The crossover between NBA 2K and fashion is strong: brands want their designs worn by both in-game avatars and real-life influencers.
• Quote (00:58):
  • “We have an experiential three-level space a block from the Chase Center where the Warriors play...every celebrity that means anything in the fashion world has stopped by there. What’s cool about it is, you know, we get the best brands in there and they always send us our best stuff.” – Ronnie 2K

3. NBA 2K’s Ongoing Relevance and Cultural Impact

• NBA 2K remains prominent due to its integration with broader culture—fashion, music, and real basketball drama.
• The game’s cultural relevance is constantly refreshed by tapping into these elements year-round.
• Quote (02:53):
  • “The NBA gives us a real good lens to be able to talk about relevant things always...all of the elements that are beyond basketball allow us to be 365, and we just want to be on top of minds of our players.” – Ronnie 2K

4. Ronnie’s Gaming Skills & Evolving NBA 2K Mechanics

• Ronnie was once a top-10 NBA 2K player; now, due to other commitments and the rise of serious pro gamers, he sits around the 98th-99th percentile.
• While game mechanics have evolved, the core skills remain; it's player dedication that separates the elite.
• Quote (03:20):
  • “Definitely not top 10 anymore...Some of these guys, they don't touch grass for weeks now. It's insane...I’d still be 98th, 99th percentile, but definitely not...top 10 anymore.” – Ronnie 2K

5. The Esports & Streaming Boom

• Ronnie celebrates how the game’s ecosystem now enables young talents to make full-time careers as streamers and esports competitors.
• Quote (05:10):
  • “They're making it their whole business. You know, it's amazing. It's impressive. Our empire, you know, when I was top 10 in leaderboards, we didn’t even have a million people playing our game. Now there’s millions and millions...” – Ronnie 2K

6. NBA Season Insights & 2K Simulation Accuracy

• Early season standouts: Praises Wemby’s (Victor Wembanyama) fast start and predicts the Oklahoma City Thunder as strong title contenders.
• NBA 2K’s season simulations have accurately predicted real NBA outcomes (getting the winner correct 4 of the past 5 years).
• Quote (06:13):
  • “We usually nail the stuff. They’re much more accurate than, like, even, you know, the pundits...we’re trying to be as authentic simulation as possible. I think we’ve got the winner the last four out of the five years.” – Ronnie 2K

7. On NBA Legends & Evolution

• Discussion about Michael Jordan (“the GOAT”) and how his scoring game would translate to today’s NBA environment.
• Explores how Steph Curry transformed the sport, not necessarily as the greatest but arguably the second most influential.
• Quote (08:06):
  • “Steph is a whole other thing...obviously his impact is probably second of MJ. Literally, he’s probably the second most important player in NBA history.” – Ronnie 2K
• The evolution of basketball: big men now must shoot threes, drastically shifting player roles and expectations.

8. Upcoming Events and Where to Find Ronnie

• Ronnie gives a rundown of upcoming promotional events for NBA 2K, plans to return to Vegas, and hints at future travels and development for NBA 2K27.
• Quote (09:16):
  • “I’ve gone to Singapore twice this year. I’ve gone to Australia. I’ve gone to Paris for the Paris game. These are long flights, so a little time to, like, be at the office and, like, really start ruminating about what 27 is, is exciting to me.” – Ronnie 2K

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I think people are really going to be surprised by that and I think it's... a lot of people are always surprised that like I'm very forthcoming with the fans and I'm very normal. I think a lot of it's because I just remember where I came from.” – Ronnie 2K (00:30, 01:13)
• “It's always such a pleasure to see these emerging fashion brands...We get a physical space so that they could storytelling, you know, if they're a word out there.” – Ronnie 2K (00:45, 01:30)
• “If I can't shoot, I'm a liability.” – Interviewer (08:40)
• “We usually nail the [season simulations]...the last four out of the five years.” – Ronnie 2K (06:13)
• “Steph is a whole other thing...his impact is probably second of MJ. Literally, he's probably the second most important player in NBA history.” – Ronnie 2K (08:06)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–01:13 – Ronnie on his background, documentary, humility, and connection with fans.
• 00:54–01:50 – Discussion of ‘Levels’ and fashion crossovers with 2K.
• 02:53–03:15 – Maintaining NBA 2K’s perennial cultural relevance.
• 03:20–03:40 – Ronnie’s current 2K skills and changing game mechanics.
• 05:10–05:21 – How streaming transformed NBA 2K’s culture and reach.
• 05:27–06:11 – NBA season predictions and Thunder as title contenders.
• 06:13–06:33 – 2K simulation accuracy vs. real-life results.
• 07:06–07:48 – Thoughts on Michael Jordan’s return and NBA’s evolution.
• 08:06–08:35 – Impact and legacy of Steph Curry and changes in play style.
• 08:49–09:16 – Upcoming events, global travels, and excitement for NBA 2K27.

Conclusion

This episode gives unfiltered access to Ronnie 2K’s journey from adversity to icon status, his entrepreneurial expansions, and the ever-expanding world of NBA 2K. Listeners are treated to candid reflections on cultural trends and the future of both gaming and basketball—making it a must-hear for fans of either world.