NBA/Rockstar Games
The Miami Heat will become the Vice City basketball team for one night only on Nov. 18
The release of Grand Theft Auto: VI is just over a month away, and the marketing push is entering overdrive. The Miami Heat announced a special one-night-only event in which they’ll become the Vice City basketball team.
Ahead of the release of Grand Theft Auto: VI on November 18 and the start of the NBA season on October 20, the Miami Heat and Rockstar Games announced a special collaboration in which the real-life basketball team will take on the fictional design of Vice City’s in-game basketball team.
The Miami Heat will become the Vice City basketball team on November 18 to promote the release of GTA VI
According to the NBA, during their November 18 matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks (the former team of new franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo), the Miami Heat will play on special hardwood built for Vice City and will be wearing a “new, completely reimagined uniform for the night.”
“A historic partnership, when the HEAT as Vice City host a never-been-done-before event on the eve of the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI,” the NBA’s website announcing the collaboration reads.
For one night only, the HEAT trade Miami for Vice City.
Join us on November 18, when Vice City hosts the Milwaukee Bucks on a never-before-seen court, wearing an all-new uniform.
This is A Night in Vice City. Also live on ESPN. For details, visit https://t.co/ZiEQ2XUxdu pic.twitter.com/KaQC7QGRHQ
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 2, 2026
In addition to the NBA collaboration, the apparent first look at GTA VI’s in-world football team, the Vice City Manatees — a clear riff on the Miami Dolphins — also hit social media.
Instead of the orange and green of the Dolphins, the Manatees color scheme is a classic Miami teal and pink, which are also featured in the Heat’s beloved City Connect jerseys.
🚨 NEW: A first look at a GTA VI “Vice City Manatees” football has surfaced. 🏈🌴
Featuring the team’s manatee mascot alongside VI and Rockstar Games branding, the football is one of several Manatees-themed merchandise items expected to release alongside GTA VI ⚡️ @thrill_com pic.twitter.com/6qaW9CNX8o
— GTA 6 ✦ News & Updates (@SourceVI) October 1, 2026
Grand Theft Auto: VI, after a decade of anticipation, will finally be released on November 19.