NBA 2K26- Exploring the cover images, release date, cost, editions, and all
According to Wednesday's announcement from 2K Games, NBA 2K26 will be available shortly. The company also revealed the feature players for this year. Jayson Tatum, a forward for the Boston Celtics, was the NBA 2K cover athlete last year.
He was also highlighted following his team's championship win. The news of the cover athlete comes after 2K Games hinted at its intention to re-enter the NCAA basketball gaming market. It was unclear if the developer intended to integrate college basketball into its NBA franchise. Nevertheless, they eventually released all the information like release date, edition cost, and so all.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Carmelo Anthony, and Angel Reese Star on the NBA 2K26 covers as the game is set to release on September 5
Angel Reese will also grace the cover (Image via Instagram / @angelreese5)
The Oklahoma City Thunder's star,
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,
will represent the team in the forthcoming championship.
Anyone who witnessed the NBA Finals should not be surprised by it.
SGA led the team to their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. He was then named the team's MVP, scoring leader, NBA champion, and Finals MVP. Sporting News reported that after the news, SGA stated:
"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.
"Being on the cover is iconic, but 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.'
In addition to him, two other cover sportsmen will appear in NBA 2K26's four editions. For the NBA, Carmelo Anthony will be featured on the cover.
Angel Reese
, a sophomore with the Chicago Sky, will also be on the cover of the WNBA Edition of the game.
When will NBA 2K26 be available?
NBA 2K26
will be out on Friday, September 5, 2025. Fans can currently place pre-orders for the game. The first day of early access is Saturday, August 30.
What will be the editions?
According to 2K Sports, there will be four versions of NBA 2K26: the Standard Edition, the Superstar Edition, the Leave No Doubt Edition, and the WNBA Edition, which is exclusive to GameStop.
The price of NBA 2K26 Standard Edition is $59.99 for the Nintendo Switch and $69.99 for the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Exclusive to GameStop, the WNBA Edition will only be physically available in the United States and priced at $69.99 for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The Superstar Edition for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 will retail for $99.99.
Leave No Doubt Edition will be sold for $149.99 on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but only until September 7. One week before its global release, it will be accessible for playback through early access.
NBA 2K26 is one of the most anticipated basketball games of the year. Now, it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries in the series as well. Whether someone's a casual player or a hardcore fan, NBA 2K26 promises fresh features, star power, and a true basketball experience.
Also read:
NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP Season
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