The upcoming release of NBA 2K26 on September 5 has sparked considerable excitement among basketball fans, especially with the growing presence of WNBA teams in the series. The previous edition, NBA 2K25, saw a remarkable 43% rise in users and a 388% jump in games played featuring WNBA teams, an increase credited largely to the popularity of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark as a rookie. Clark’s influence has helped elevate the WNBA’s visibility and popularity across multiple platforms, including in video games.
NBA 2K26 has further fueled this enthusiasm by spotlighting Clark in a viral commercial clip, where she posterizes NBA legend LeBron James with a dunk, a scene that has garnered widespread attention on social media. This moment highlights the crossover appeal of WNBA talent within the broader basketball community and the gaming world.
Candace Parker Reacts to Caitlin Clark’s Game-Changing Dunk on LeBron James
WNBA icon Candace Parker, who hosts the weekly podcast Post Moves with Clark’s Indiana Fever teammate Aliyah Boston, addressed this viral moment during their August 20 episode. The duo shared a playful and intrigued reaction to the clip of Clark dunking on LeBron James, affectionately known as “the King.”
Watching the video, Parker exclaimed,
“Caitlin Clark dunking on Bron, and then flexing and standing over the king?!”
Boston repeatedly responded with laughter, calling the play “crazy work.” Their conversation returned to the clip several times, especially after Boston mentioned preferring to face the Lakers team if playing as the Fever in NBA 2K, inspired by Clark’s dynamic dunk.
As they watched the video again, Parker expressed both amusement and mock dismay, stating,
“This is wild right here! This is awful,”
before adding,
“But LeBron’s PR team has got to get rid of that. I don’t care if it is a video game. Like, look at his arms. Not the king! Come on, man. You can’t do that to Bron. Don’t do that.”
Despite the humorous tone, Parker’s remark suggests that LeBron’s representatives might prefer to distance themselves from the viral clip that playfully challenges his on-court dominance, even in a virtual setting.
Impact and Growing Influence of Caitlin Clark in Basketball and Gaming
Caitlin Clark’s viral dunk in NBA 2K26 underscores the rising profile of WNBA players in both sports and entertainment media. The significant increase in engagement with WNBA teams seen in NBA 2K25 demonstrates the shifting landscape where female athletes are gaining more recognition and a broader fanbase. Clark’s prominence not only boosts Indiana Fever’s visibility but also contributes to the expanded interest in the WNBA overall.
As the NBA 2K franchise continues to integrate WNBA content more deeply, moments like Clark’s dunk on LeBron serve as symbolic breakthroughs, bridging gender lines in basketball fandom and showcasing the athletic prowess of WNBA stars in new and exciting ways. The viral video’s popularity may encourage further inclusivity and creative storytelling in future game releases, offering more opportunities for players like Clark to shine on a global stage.