The upcoming NBA 2K26 video game will feature not only rising NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but also WNBA standout Angel Reese and basketball legend Carmelo Anthony on its various covers. The announcement came following the reveal that Gilgeous-Alexander will grace the Standard Edition, while Reese takes the spotlight on the WNBA Edition. Anthony will headline the Superstar Edition, and all three athletes will appear together on the Leave No Doubt Edition.
This latest move highlights the ongoing effort to celebrate basketball talent across different leagues, with Angel Reese NBA 2K26 cover marking a significant moment for women’s basketball representation in the gaming world.
Notable Cover Athletes Continue NBA 2K’s Tradition of Honoring Top Talent
Featuring both current stars and legends on the covers is a hallmark of the NBA 2K franchise. Last year’s editions showcased Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson, and basketball great Vince Carter, continuing a tradition that has also included icons such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s selection as the Standard Edition cover player is a reflection of his stellar 2023-24 season. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard wrapped up the year with multiple accolades, including the NBA Finals MVP, league MVP, scoring title, and an NBA championship, positioning him as a leading figure in today’s game.
“Every kid who grows up playing basketball pictures themselves on the cover of NBA 2K—it’s a dream come true moment, especially following an NBA championship,”
Gilgeous-Alexander said in the official announcement.
Angel Reese’s Rise and Recognition as WNBA Edition Cover Athlete
Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward and former LSU champion, has steadily gained national attention since entering the WNBA as the No. 7 overall pick in 2024. Now a key player for the Sky, Reese will be making her second All-Star Game appearance in July, solidifying her place among the league’s elite.
In her second season, Reese has demonstrated remarkable consistency by extending her streak of double-doubles and games with at least 15 rebounds to six consecutive contests, showcasing her dominance on the court despite recent setbacks such as the Washington Mystics loss.
The NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition featuring Reese will be a GameStop exclusive physical release in the U.S., marking an important milestone for women’s basketball in gaming.
“Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone—it’s a statement,”
Reese said.
“It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.”
“To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey, but also all the veteran WNBA players who have paved the way before me and the growing impact of the league as a whole. I’m proud to be part of a game that continues to elevate women’s basketball and can’t wait for fans to see how NBA 2K26 brings our game to life like never before.”
Carmelo Anthony’s Enduring Legacy Recognized in NBA 2K26 Honors
Joining Reese and Gilgeous-Alexander is Carmelo Anthony, a legendary figure who will feature on the NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition. Anthony’s career achievements are considerable: he was the No. 3 pick in the 2003 draft, is a member of the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class, and has earned a scoring title, three Olympic gold medals, six All-NBA selections, ten All-Star nods, and a spot on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Anthony’s impact on basketball spans generations, and his new role as a cover athlete introduces him to a contemporary audience while honoring his storied past.
“For more than 20 years, 2K fans have been a part of my journey,”
Anthony reflected.
“Being honored on the cover of NBA 2K26 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year is surreal. It’s a celebration of every chapter, every city that embraced me, every team that believed in me, and every person who’s been part of this ride with me.”
NBA 2K26 Release and Availability Details
NBA 2K26 is scheduled for release on September 5 across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (Steam), and both versions of the Nintendo Switch. Early access will be granted on August 29 for those who pre-order the Superstar Edition or Leave No Doubt Edition on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The inclusion of Angel Reese on the WNBA Edition cover, alongside top NBA stars like Gilgeous-Alexander and iconic figures such as Carmelo Anthony, signals a growing recognition of women’s basketball and its importance within the broader sports and gaming communities. Fans and players alike can look forward to experiencing a game that celebrates diverse talent and the future of basketball culture.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese shared in a TikTok video that she injured her hand during a fall when she got the and-1. She explained that it caused a small fracture in her bone.
Doctors informed her she could choose to either undergo surgery or skip it altogether.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Also, Reese finished her studies at LSU in March 2024 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She focused on Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. This means she had a GPA over 2.0, which is needed to graduate.
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. They lost seven consecutive games before finally defeating the Los Angeles Sparks on September 6. Unfortunately, during this time, Reese got a minor fracture in her left wrist, needing surgery. With Reese unable to play, the team managed to win their following game but then lost the next five. “That situation clearly disappointed me,” she commented.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel’s skills in basketball are inherited from her parents who both played at the college and professional levels.