With the official reveal of the NBA 2K26 cover athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the hype machine will now switch into high gear. That starts with the first official trailer for the game, narrated by director and superfan Spike Lee. Just keep him away from career mode please, we haven't forgotten.
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese will appear on the cover of the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition. Making the moment even more special, Reese debuted her new Reebok Diamond Dust shoes on the cover.
“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,” Reese said in press materials. “It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically."
NBA legend Carmelo Anthony will appear on the cover of the Superstar Edition, and all three players will grace the cover of the Leave No Doubt Edition. Melo was just named to the Basketball Hall of Fame after a 19-year career that saw him smash all kinds of records.
“For more than 20 years, 2K fans have been a part of my journey,” Anthony said. “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.”