The cover features Jason Kidd as a member of the New Jersey Nets.

It was the last NBA Live game to be released on the original PlayStation.

[12] NBA Live 2003 was a runner-up for GameSpot's annual "Best Sports Game on PC" award, which went to Madden NFL 2003.

It was also nominated for GameSpot's annual "Best Traditional Sports Game on GameCube" award, but lost to NFL 2K3.

[41] During the AIAS' 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, NBA Live 2003 received a nomination for "Computer Sports Game of the Year", yet ultimately lost to Madden NFL 2003.