Look, if you're still playing NBA 2K23 on PC or even dusting off the old-gen consoles, you know the struggle. The WNBA implementation was... fine. It was okay. But for the "sim" heads who want every single detail to match what they see on League Pass, "okay" doesn't cut it. That's where NBA 2K23 WNBA dornas come into play.
Wait, what the heck is a dorna?
In the world of sports gaming and broadcast, a dorna is basically that digital signage or the physical LED boards surrounding the court. They cycle through ads for AT&T, Google Pixel, and whatever else the WNBA is pushing this week. In 2K23, especially on the PC version which was stuck with the "last-gen" engine, these were often generic or outdated. It kills the vibe.
The Immersion Gap in 2K23
Honestly, 2K has a habit of leaving the PC community in the dust. While PS5 and Xbox Series X players got the "New Gen" bells and whistles, PC players were basically playing a modified version of 2K20.
When you're running a fast break with A'ja Wilson or Kelsey Plum, you want to see the authentic Las Vegas Aces court. You want the lighting to hit the floor just right. But if the dornas (the sidelines) are displaying generic 2K Sports logos or ads from three seasons ago, the illusion breaks instantly.
For the hardcore modding community, fixing the NBA 2K23 WNBA dornas became a bit of a mission. It wasn't just about ads; it was about making the WNBA feel like a first-class citizen in the game.
Why PC Players Obsess Over This
Mods are the only reason 2K23 is still alive on Steam.
- Authenticity: Real-world sponsors make the game feel like a Sunday afternoon broadcast.
- Variety: Modders like Looyh and others in the community created "Global" mods that swap out these files dynamically.
- The "Next Gen" Look: Since 2K didn't give PC the updated graphics, dornas and floor textures are the easiest way to "fake" a high-end experience.
It’s kinda wild that we’re sitting here in 2026 and people are still downloading these files. But it makes sense. NBA 2K26 is the current king, but if your rig can’t handle the newest engine—or if you just prefer the gameplay mechanics of 2K23—you’re going to spend a lot of time on sites like 2K-Specialist or Shuajota’s blog looking for these specific texture packs.
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How the WNBA Dornas Actually Work
Technically, dornas are just texture files (.iff) that the game engine wraps around the 3D models of the court barriers. In the 2K23 file system, these are often buried in the "wa" or "shared" archives.
If you're trying to install them now, you basically need the NBA 2K23 Hook. Without it, you can’t force the game to read your custom "mods" folder. You drop the new dorna files into your folder, restart the game, and suddenly, the generic blue boards are replaced with high-res, glowing WNBA-specific partners.
It’s a small change. But it’s everything.
The Modding Scene vs. Official Support
Visual Concepts (the devs) actually did a decent job with the WNBA on consoles in 2K23. They added "The W," which was a massive step up. But they didn't really touch the presentation for the PC crowd.
Real-world experts in the modding scene, like those you'll find on the NLSC (Nothin' Live Since '95) forums, noticed that the WNBA dornas in the base game were frequently lower resolution than the NBA ones. That's just lazy.
The community fixed it. They upscaled the textures, added the "glow" effect to simulate LED screens, and even synced them to the specific arenas. Playing in the Barclays Center feels different than playing in the Footprint Center because of these tiny digital boards.
NBA 2K23 WNBA Dornas and the 2026 Perspective
Why talk about this now? Because the WNBA has exploded in popularity.
Back when 2K23 launched, the league was growing, but it wasn't the cultural juggernaut it is today. Now, in 2026, everyone wants to play as the stars. If you’re a budget gamer playing 2K23, you still want that modern feel.
Updating your NBA 2K23 WNBA dornas is basically a DIY "Season Update." You aren't just changing ads; you're acknowledging that the league deserves the same level of polish as the NBA side of the game.
Limitations You Should Know
You can't just slap a 4K texture on a 2K23 model and expect it to look like 2K26. The lighting engine in the older game is limited. Sometimes, the dornas might look "too bright" or "washed out" if the modder didn't account for the stadium lighting (the "f0xx" files).
Also, if you're on console (PS4/Xbox One), you're basically out of luck. Modding these specific files is a PC-only luxury. Console players are stuck with whatever 2K patched in before they stopped supporting the game.
Making the Switch: Actionable Steps
If you're ready to fix your game, don't just download the first file you see. Look for "Dynamic Dornas." These are scripted to change ads throughout the game, just like a real broadcast.
- Download the latest NBA 2K23 Hook by Looyh. It's the foundation of all PC modding.
- Search for "WNBA Dorna Pack" on reputable sites like 2K-Specialist. Look for packs that include the 2024 or 2025 sponsors to keep things fresh.
- Place the files in your \Mods\shared\ folder. If that folder doesn't exist, you'll need to create it.
- Check your "Video Settings." Set your texture quality to "High." If it's on medium, the dornas will look like a blurry mess, defeating the whole purpose of the mod.
The WNBA in 2K23 is a hidden gem, especially with the right mods. It’s faster, the shooting feels a bit more "arcadey" than the newer titles, and with the right visual tweaks, it still looks surprisingly good. Don't let the generic presentation ruin your season. Fix the boards, and the rest of the game follows.