Angel Reese, a rising star in the WNBA, has sparked intense debate following her selection as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26’s WNBA edition. Announced by the league ahead of the game’s September 9 release, Reese’s spot on the cover has ignited controversy among fans who question the choice despite her impressive early career accomplishments.
Reese will appear alongside NBA counterparts such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who features on the men’s standard edition cover, and Carmelo Anthony, who appears on the superstar edition. While these selections have drawn attention for highlighting established players, Reese’s feature on the WNBA cover has been met with mixed reactions.
Debate Erupts Over Angel Reese’s Selection for NBA 2K26 WNBA Cover
Fans of the WNBA quickly voiced their reservations about Reese becoming the face of the NBA 2K26 WNBA edition, sparking discussions across social media platforms. Many argue that other players, including Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, deserved more recognition for their performances. Several supporters criticized the league, suggesting Reese’s cover placement might be a strategic move to elevate her profile rather than a recognition of on-court merit.
One fan on X stated,
“It’s so obvious you’re forcing her as the face of the league when there’s much better players out there,”
while another exclaimed,
“Am I getting f***ng Centel’d??????”
Some reactions went as far as to mock the choice, demonstrating the strong emotions involved.
Despite the backlash, Reese’s rapid rise in professional basketball is undeniable. Drafted seventh overall in 2024 by the Chicago Sky, she has emerged as a standout talent. Her rookie season saw her dominate the boards, leading the league in rebounds, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team, and making back-to-back WNBA All-Star appearances early in her career.
Currently, even as the Sky struggle near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Reese’s individual statistics remain impressive. She holds a field goal percentage of 41.5%, a three-point percentage of 23.5%, and averages 13.2 points per game. Moreover, she set a league record for 15 straight double-doubles and finished as the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds.
How Angel Reese’s Personality Shapes Her Public Image
Angel Reese is widely known for her confident and assertive demeanor both on and off the court, which has helped make her a prominent figure in basketball culture. Her collegiate achievements at LSU, including leading the Tigers to the 2023 NCAA national championship, further established her fame. This combination of talent and personality likely influenced the decision to feature her as the NBA 2K26 WNBA cover athlete and reflects her growing influence in women’s basketball.
New Signature Shoe Launch Highlights Reese’s Rising Brand Presence
Beyond the court, Reese continues to expand her brand and reach within the basketball world. Much like her peer Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese has signed several endorsement deals and launched her own podcast channel. A highlight of her growing profile is the announcement from Reebok regarding her own signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1.
Reebok introduced the Angel Reese 1 with a distinctive Diamond Dust colorway that they say embodies both the toughness and style of Reese’s play. The shoe’s design draws inspiration from the Engine A basketball shoe Reese has worn during her rookie year. This signature shoe marks a milestone, as Reese becomes only the second WNBA athlete to receive a dedicated shoe from Reebok, following 1997’s Reebok Lobo by Rebecca Lobo.
The Diamond Dust edition of the Angel Reese 1 is slated for release in 2026, although a precise launch date has not yet been announced by Reebok.
Reactions and What’s Next for Angel Reese and the WNBA
The varying opinions on Angel Reese’s NBA 2K26 cover spotlight underscore the tension within the WNBA fanbase regarding player recognition and league marketing strategies. While some supporters see Reese as the rising icon of the league, others remain skeptical and advocate for other players with strong performances.
Regardless of the criticism, Reese’s rising profile through milestones such as her cover feature and signature shoe deal indicates her increasing importance in women’s basketball. Her journey will be closely watched as the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and visibility. How fans ultimately embrace or reject figures like Reese may shape the league’s marketing approaches in the future and influence which players become its public representatives.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a TikTok video shared late Sunday, Reese explained that she injured her hand when she fell while making a basket. She mentioned there’s a minor fracture in one of the bones. Doctors advised her that she has the option to either undergo surgery or not.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. In March 2024, Reese finished her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at LSU. She focused on Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. This means she had a GPA higher than 2.0, the minimum needed to graduate with an undergraduate degree.
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. They lost seven games straight but finally won against the Los Angeles Sparks on September 6. Unfortunately, Reese then broke her left wrist, needing surgery. Without their key player, the team won the next match but dropped the final five games. “That was obviously disappointing,” she remarked.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel’s skills in basketball are inherited from her parents, who both played the sport in college and at the professional level.