The debate is over, the votes are in, and the new royalty of the virtual court has been crowned. 2K has officially revealed its trio of cover athletes for NBA 2K26: reigning NBA MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, WNBA All-Star Angel Reese, and NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony.
The next instalment in the iconic basketball simulation series is set for a global launch on September 5th 2025, with an early access period for premium editions starting one week earlier on August 29th 2025.
NBA 2K26 is coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch platforms.
The Present, The Future, and The Legend: Meet Your Cover Stars
This year, NBA 2K26 follows on from last year’s NBA 2K25 to celebrate three distinct eras and impacts on basketball culture, with each cover star representing a different facet of superstardom.
The Standard Edition: MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Fresh off a historic season where he captured both the KIA Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP awards, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will grace the cover of the NBA 2K26 Standard Edition.
“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,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “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.”
The WNBA Edition: The Unapologetic Angel Reese
Chicago Sky Forward and WNBA All-Star Angel Reese takes her rightful place on the cover of the NBA® 2K26 WNBA Edition.
“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,” said Reese. “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 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. I’m proud to be part of a game that continues to elevate women’s basketball and can’t wait for fans to see how NBA 2K26 brings our game to life like never before.”
The cover will also feature the debut of her first-ever signature shoe with Reebok, the Angel Reese 1.
The Superstar Edition: Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony
Celebrating a legendary career, 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee and 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony will be featured on the NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition.
“For more than 20 years, 2K fans have been a part of my journey,” said Anthony. “Being honored on the cover of NBA 2K26 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year is surreal. It’s a celebration of every chapter, every city that embraced me, every team that believed in me, and every person who’s been part of this ride with me.”
Mark Your Calendars: Release Dates and Editions
NBA 2K26 is available for pre-order now, with four distinct editions on offer. The Early Access (Superstar & Leave No Doubt Editions) will drop come August 29th 2025, whilst a Worldwide release comes about on September 5th 2025.
A Breakdown of the Editions
- The Standard Edition: Available for £69.99 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2; £59.99 on PC; and £49.99 on Switch.
- The WNBA Edition: A GameStop exclusive in the US, available physically for £69.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- The Superstar Edition: Available for £89.99 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Includes the base game, 100,000 VC, and a host of MyCAREER and MyTEAM content packs.
- The Leave No Doubt Edition: A limited-time digital release available until September 7th for £129.99. Includes everything in the Superstar Edition plus an additional 35,000 VC, a Season 1 Pro Pass, a Summer Pass, and exclusive MyTEAM cards, including a Galaxy Opal and an Invincible card.
What’s New on the Court?
This year’s game promises to be an immersive leap forward, powered by all-new ProPLAY features that feel connected to every dribble and crossover. Players can look forward to a reimagined MyCAREER journey, a more optimized City for multiplayer, new MyTEAM modes, and a deep MyNBA franchise mode with 30 unique storylines.
“SGA’s elite IQ and ice-cold composure mixed with his effortless street style, Angel’s on-court bravado and ability to own the moment, and Carmelo’s reputation as one of the most iconic trendsetters and prolific scorers in NBA history leave no doubt they’re superstars on the court and in any room they walk into,” said Zak Armitage, SVP & GM of NBA 2K. “NBA 2K26 is all about proving yourself on the court, and immortalizing greatness. These three are among the boldest, most confident, and stylish personalities in the NBA and WNBA.”
The court is set, the superstars have been chosen, and the date is circled. With a trio of cover athletes representing every facet of basketball culture, NBA 2K26 isn’t just a game; it’s a statement. The time to prove yourself and leave no doubt begins this August.
