The Miami HEAT will temporarily rebrand as “Vice City” for their home game on November 18, 2026, marking a massive cross-promotional event with Rockstar Games. The takeover, titled “A Night in Vice City,” occurs exactly 24 hours before the global release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19.
The event is designed to blur the lines between the physical city of Miami and its digital counterpart. The HEAT will face the Milwaukee Bucks at the Kaseya Center in a matchup that carries significant narrative weight beyond the gaming promotion; it marks the first time Giannis Antetokounmpo will play against his former team in Miami since his blockbuster trade to the Heat.
The “Vice City” Transformation
The branding shift extends beyond the name on the scoreboard. For the November 18 game, the team will debut “never-before-seen” custom uniforms inspired by the aesthetic of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto title. These will be paired with a custom-designed hardwood court exclusive to this event.
The marketing campaign for the night has already taken a literal turn toward the skyline. A massive “Welcome to Vice City” sign was recently airlifted by helicopter and installed on the roof of the Kaseya Center.
Game Day Details and Merchandise
The matchup is scheduled for a national broadcast on ESPN starting at 7:00 PM ET. While the event is a promotional name change rather than a permanent franchise shift, the “Vice City” moniker will be used throughout the evening’s presentation.
Fans looking to commemorate the crossover can already access the “Vice City Collection” of merchandise. The apparel line features various GTA-inspired designs with the following pricing:
- Standard T-shirts: $45.00
- Premium “Vice City” Graphic Tees: $55.00
- Team Hoodies and Crewnecks: $100.00 – $110.00
While the event highlights the Milwaukee Bucks‘ visit to South Florida, the focus remains on the synergy between the NBA franchise and the release of the most anticipated video game of the decade. There has been no official word from Rockstar Games or the Miami HEAT regarding digital rewards for GTA VI players who attend the game in person, though the arena is expected to feature interactive elements consistent with the game’s fictional setting.
