Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been announced as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 Standard Edition, joined by Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony on the covers of the WNBA and Superstar Editions, respectively. These three prominent figures will also feature collectively on the Leave No Doubt Edition of the game.
Scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, NBA 2K26 will be available across multiple platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions will offer early access starting August 29, enabling fans to dive into the game ahead of the official release.
Continuing the trend, the WNBA Edition will be exclusively available in physical form at GameStop in the U.S. Angel Reese, who had an impressive rookie season that saw her lead the league in rebounding and earn spots on the All-Rookie and All-Star teams, now succeeds two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson as the face of this edition. Reese emphasized the importance of her cover appearance, stating it represents a movement for young girls to embrace confidence and assertiveness in sports.
Carmelo Anthony, a seasoned NBA veteran with a remarkable 19-year career that includes 10 All-Star selections and induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, also lends his star power to this edition. His legacy includes notable contributions to the U.S. Olympic basketball team, where he earned three gold medals and a bronze.
Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his excitement about being the cover star, calling it “iconic.” He looks forward to collaborating with Visual Concepts and 2K to influence the game’s aesthetics, including the player outfits and in-game playlists.
NBA 2K26 promises enhanced features, including improved ProPLAY capabilities on the latest gaming platforms and a revamped MyCAREER mode, while retaining beloved modes such as MyPLAYER, MyTEAM, The City, and the franchise-focused MyNBA.
This year’s announcement reflects the growing recognition and evolution of basketball culture, highlighting the inspiring journeys of these athletes and their impact on future generations.