The NBA 2K franchise has always celebrated basketball culture and legacy, but the reveal of NBA 2K26’s cover lineup elevates that mission to new heights. On July 9, Buy NBA 2K26 MTdevelopers at 2K Games confirmed a bold trio of cover athletes—Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Angel Reese, and Carmelo Anthony—outlined across different editions, culminating in a joint “Leave No Doubt” edition. With early access kicking off August 29 and the full launch scheduled for September 5, 2025, this release is already shaping up to be a defining moment for the series.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander lands the honor on the Standard Edition cover. As the reigning NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and leader of a dominant Thunder squad—recognized for their league-best 68‑14 regular‑season record—SGA's rise has been meteoric. He averaged an astonishing 32.7 points per game and helped guide his team to a historic championship run. His on‑court brilliance is matched only by his off‑court influence, and 2K promises his input extends beyond mere imagery: his tunnel fashion, soundtrack choices, and presentation vibe will directly influence the in‑game experience. This level of star integration signals a new era of athlete‑led creative collaboration.
The WNBA Edition, sold exclusively as a physical release through GameStop in the U.S., highlights Angel Reese. After an explosive rookie campaign that included All‑Star honors, leading the league in rebounding, and dominating on social media, Reese’s cover is both a celebration and a statement. Her signature Reebok “Angel Reese 1” shoe also debuts on the cover, adding a material milestone to her visibility. Reese emphasized the importance of representation, saying this moment is “about showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.” Her inclusion underscores 2K’s commitment to genuine progress in amplifying women's sports within the franchise.
Carmelo Anthony rounds out the triumvirate on the Superstar Edition, aligned with his 2025 induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Melo’s journey—from Olympic gold medalist to elite scorer and cultural trendsetter—makes him an enduring basketball icon. His fourth video-game cover is especially poignant, arriving in a year that cements his legacy both on and off the court. Featuring Olympian credentials and staunch fan support, his presence expands 2K26’s nostalgia element while reinforcing its cultural relevance.
All three athletes unite on the “Leave No Doubt” Edition, a deluxe tier offering 135,000 VC, season passes, early access, and premium in-game cosmesis like Galaxy Opal cards and Invincible items. It’s a statement of confidence that matches the trio’s competitive ethos. Early access begins August 29 for those who opt for Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions—one week ahead of the global launch on September 5 across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Switch 2.
Why does this matter? 2K26 isn’t just another iteration—it’s a milestone. The blend of rising superstars (SGA), women’s game prominence (Reese), and cultural legacy (Melo), tied to an ambitious new gameplay tech push, suggests a transformative entry for the series. Whether it's ProPLAY enhancements in ball handling, career narrative expansions, franchise-mode refinements, or fresh MyTEAM challenges, this cover story sets a high bar for expectation. NBA folklore and modern gaming collide in a way that few annual titles have dared to attempt, and fans are already buzzing over the potential blend of gameplay, representation, and star power.