NBA 2K Defends Choice To Have Angel Reese Grace The Cover Over Caitlin Clark: 'Celebrating The Bold'
Angel Reese Is NBA 2K26's Cover Athlete
In an interview with PEOPLE, Reese opened up to the publication about how much being featured on the cover of NBA 2K, alongside greats such as Carmelo Anthony and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, means to her.
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"I'm so blessed to be honored with these two," the Chicago Sky star said. "I was just super excited…just trying to be the first of many, and have many young kids and young women look up to me and know that they can do the same things I'm doing."
Reese has been a significant topic of conversation in the world of athletics since she and the LSU Tigers defeated Caitlin Clark in 2023 to win the NCAA National Championship title. Since then, the 6'3" power forward has landed many high-profile opportunities, from partnerships to podcasts.
"The sky is the limit, even bigger than that, as long as you trust whatever you want and never let anybody put limitations on who you can be and what you can be," Reese said about her growing resume.
Being On The Cover Of NBA 2K Means More To Angel Reese Than People Realize
In addition to gracing the cover of NBA 2K26, Reese recently shared images of her signature shoe with Reebok, which is scheduled for release in 2026.
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The all-white sneaker, which features a shimmery finish around the upper, is named "Diamond Dust." According to Reese, the name carries more meaning than some may realize.
"The most brilliant diamonds take pressure, polish, and time," she wrote online. "Reebok is back—and the diamonds are shining brighter than ever."
Reese Is Wearing Her Shoes On The Cover Of 2K26
Reese is also sporting her new signature sneakers on the cover of 2K, and according to an official press release from the video game company, that was a deliberate choice.
"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," she 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 honour 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."
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Reese further stated that she was "proud" to be part of a game that elevates women's sports and expressed her excitement for fans to see the finished product.
The Love For Angel Reese Begins To Pour In
Social media users immediately began sharing their thoughts about Reese's latest business moves, with many praising the young athlete for her accomplishments.
"Angel Reese really is that girl," someone wrote. "PERIOD."
"Announcing this the day after you get selected for the all-star [game] is chef's kiss," another posted.
A third user shared, "Angel Reese is a superstar [and] there's nothing any of you can do to stop her from shining."
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Someone else echoed that sentiment, posting, "Being an Angel Reese hater must suck."
Why Was Reese Chosen For The Cover Of 2K?
And the love for Reese didn't stop there.
"On the real, [shoutout] to Angel Reese's marketing team," someone posted. "They know exactly what they're doing."
"Debuting Angel's show on the day 2K drops with her on the cover wearing them. Can't get over that," another shared. "Masterful work from Reese's camp."
Some users, however, questioned why Reese was chosen over WNBA standout Caitlin Clark.
In an interview with TMZ, NBA 2K general manager Zak Armitage explained the decision to have Reese on the front of this year's edition was a purposeful one.
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"NBA 2K26 is celebrating the bold, the confident, and the visionaries -- and WNBA All-Star Angel Reese carries all that on and off the court," Armitage said.
"In her sophomore year in the WNBA, Angel Reese has made waves, created impactful conversations, and inspired the next generation. She's a storyteller and has helped the WNBA grow its audience," he added.
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