Steven Adams predicts GTA 6 could affect sports leagues in November

Steven Adams predicts GTA 6 could temporarily affect sports leagues when it launches in November

Houston Rockets centre Steven Adams has predicted that the release of GTA 6 could temporarily affect performances across professional sports leagues in November.

Rockstar Games is scheduled to release Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Speaking at the Rockets’ media day on September 22, Adams suggested that players, coaches and scouts could become distracted by the game.

“You guys should anticipate November,” Adams said. “So look at the NFL, look at all the leagues, and watch them plummet.”

Adams expects the impact to be temporary, however, with performances potentially returning to normal in December.

“It should come back up, though. Most of the boys will get it done. Hopefully they finish the game. Coaching as well, by the way. The coaching and scouts are going to be horrendous, just for November, but it should bounce back in December, hopefully”

The comments come as anticipation for GTA 6 extends beyond its gaming audience. The game is set to take players back to Vice City and across the fictional state of Leonida, with protagonists Jason and Lucia at the centre of the story.

A US Army battalion was also reported to have offered a four-day pass around the release to soldiers who re-enlisted, although the Army has not publicly confirmed the authenticity of the reported memo.