CHICAGO — The Oklahoma City Thunder’s point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, graces the cover of the NBA 2K26 Standard Edition. Joining him are Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony, who will be featured on the WNBA and Superstar Editions, respectively. Furthermore, all three athletes will be showcased together on the cover of the Leave No Doubt Edition.
2K Games has revealed that NBA 2K26 is slated for release on September 5, 2025. The Standard Edition will be accessible on platforms such as PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and both versions of the Nintendo Switch. In contrast, the Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions will be limited to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. These editions offer early access, with the opportunity to start playing as soon as August 29.
The WNBA Edition of NBA 2K26 will be a physical copy, available solely at GameStop stores within the United States. This edition features a Chicago Sky power forward, following in the footsteps of two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson. This honor accompanies her successful rookie season, where she achieved All-Rookie and All-Star distinctions and led the league in rebounding, all despite an injury that prematurely concluded her season.
Reese called her appearance on the cover “a statement,” saying “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.”
Carmelo Anthony played 19 NBA seasons, being named All-Star 10 times and making the All-NBA Team six times. In 2025, he was inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to honor his achievements — both as an individual and due to his contributions to the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, which secured the gold medal. He’s participated in four Olympics for the U.S. team in total, winning gold three times and bronze once.
Gilgeous-Alexander called being on the cover “iconic”, but seemed to be more thrilled about getting to work with developer Visual Concepts and 2K “to set the tone in-game from curating the tunnel fits to the playlist that players will ball to.”
NBA 2K26 will feature improvements to its immersive ProPLAY features on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S as well as an overhauled MyCAREER mode. MyPLAYER, MyTEAM, and The City return alongside MyNBA, the series’ franchise mode.
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