Sierra Online sends word that the massive multiplayer sports game FreeStyle Street Basketball is now free to play.

Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, announced that there will no longer be a premium upgrade and players can play through all 45 levels of FreeStyle Street Basketball, the fast-paced online PC basketball game, for free when they sign up at www.FreeStyleStreetBasketball.com.

FreeStyle Street Basketball lets players meet on virtual courts to challenge each other in dynamic pick-up games, featuring cutting-edge music, fashions and gravity defying basketball moves.

“FreeStyle Street Basketball has been well received by gamers and we’re pleased with the success of the game thus far,” said Ed Zobrist, President, Sierra Online. “We’ve built a solid audience and moving to a free model allows us to maximize future growth.”

Within FreeStyle Street Basketball gamers can use “Points” and purchase “Bills” to expand their skills and customize their character. “Points” and “Bills” can be used to purchase existing items or 60+ new items ranging from funky Halloween costumes to other unusual apparel

FreeStyle Street Basketball is rated E for Everyone. Its easy-to-learn controls allow players to master every move, from simple shots to crazy alleyoop dunks, using just four keys. Gamers can play 1-on-1, 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 street basketball online against people from around the country. The game boasts an exclusive soundtrack featuring Lloyd Banks, Young Hot Rod and Sha Money XL and clothing and gear from Marc Ecko Enterprises and Elwood. The globally popular FreeStyle Street Basketball has more than 30 million players in Asia.