Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Angel Reese And Carmelo Anthony revealed As NBA 2K26 Cover Athletes
Over the past two days, 2K Games unveiled its three cover athletes for its upcoming NBA 2K26 game, scheduled for release on September 9th.
Reigning NBA League and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the charge as the Standard Edition cover athlete for NBA 2K26. Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony will be gracing the game's Superstar Edition cover, while two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese will headline the franchise's WNBA Edition game.
All three athletes will stand alongside one another on the NBA2k26's Leave No Doubt Edition cover.
The NBA 2K26 Standard Edition will be available to buyers on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, while the Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions will be limited to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X. The Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions will come with advance access that allows gamers to gain access of the new product as early as August 29.
2K26's WNBA Edition will continue to be only in physical game copy form, available exclusively at GameStop in the United States. The 2K franchise introduced a WNBA edition two years ago, with Finals MVP Sabrina Ionescu gracing the cover in 2023 and two-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson appearing on the cover in 2024.
Angel Reese's Latest Honor
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 15: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky is announced before tipoff against the ... More Dallas Wings at the College Park Center on May 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
Reese's cover appearance was revealed on the same day Reebok launched a preview of her newest signature shoe, titled the Angel Reese 1. Just a week ago, the Chicago Sky's power forward was named an All-Star reserve and reigning WNBA Player of the Week following a three-game sample size that featured her averaging 19.7 points, 17.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
'To be cemented in NBA2k 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," Reese said.
SGA Completes Dream Season With an 'Iconic' Cover Launch
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 08: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts ... More a layup against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game Two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 08, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
Gilgeous-Alexander finished his eighth NBA season averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds during the regular season. His performance helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a franchise-record 68 wins during the regular season.
SGA and his team capped off their historic regular season by winning the franchise's first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle. Gilgeous-Alexander claimed Finals MVP after averaging 30.3 points per game during his seven-game series performance against the Indiana Pacers.
In response to being a 2K cover athlete, the former first-round pick marveled at its 'iconic' nature and vowed to be hands-on with this year's game as a partner with 2K.
'Working with 2K and Visual Concepts to set the tone in-game from curating the tunnel fits to the playlist that players will ball to is what makes this truly special," Gilgeous-Alexander told Polygon.
Carmelo Anthony's Legacy Honored In Latest Special Edition Cover Launch
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point ... More shot in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks on January 27, 2013 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 106-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo)
In a special edition NBA 2K26 rollout, Carmelo Anthony's legendary career was highlighted through a commemorative Superstar Edition release.
Anthony will be inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame next month in honor of his individual basketball career and team membership with the 2008 U.S. Men's Basketball Team, historically known as the Redeem Team. Melo was a four-time member of the U.S. Men's Olympic basketball team, winning gold three times and bronze once between 2004 and 2016.
Anthony played in the NBA for 19 seasons, was selected as an NBA All-Star 10 times and finished as an All-NBA member six times.
Melo also won a national championship in 2003 for the Syracuse Orange, winning the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament's Most Outstanding Player award in the process.
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