The NBA 2K video game series continues to capture the attention of gamers and basketball fans, as it has since its inception in 1999.
With the 2024-25 season in the rearview, the focus now shifts to next season and the 27th iteration of the game, NBA 2K26.
As the title sponsor for Las Vegas Summer League, which tips off on Thursday, ahead of the summer showcase, 2K Sports has unveiled three cover athletes for the different editions of the game: Standard, WNBA, Superstar, and Leave No Doubt.
The Sporting News has all the information you need to know about NBA 2K26, from cover athletes to information on how to purchase the game.
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Who is on the cover of NBA 2K26?
NBA 2K26 will feature three different cover athletes across the game's four editions.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be on the cover of the Standard Edition, capping off a near-perfect season in 2024-25.
SGA was crowned regular season MVP, scoring leader, NBA champion, and Finals MVP, as he led the Thunder to the franchise's first title since it relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.
"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," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
"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."
NBA 2K
Chicago Sky sophomore Angel Reese will grace the cover of the WNBA Edition of the game, which will be sold exclusively at GameStop.
Reese is enjoying a strong second season in the WNBA, currently on a dominant streak of six straight games of 15-plus rebounds — the longest streak in WNBA history.
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"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. "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 NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition features Carmelo Anthony, who is set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
The cover features Melo's iconic three-to-the-dome celebration, made famous during his tenure at Madison Square Garden with the New York Knicks.
"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.
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"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."
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The Leave No Doubt Edition of NBA 2K26 features all three of SGA, Reese, and Anthony.
NBA 2K26
When does NBA 2K26 come out?
- Date: September 5
NBA 2K26 releases on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Fans can begin pre-ordering the game now. Early access begins on Saturday, August 30.
NBA 2K26 editions and prices
2K Sports revealed that there will be a Standard Edition, the GameStop exclusive WNBA Edition, Superstar Edition, and the Leave No Doubt Edition of NBA 2K26.
Here is the pricing for each edition:
NBA 2K26 Standard Edition
PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2: US$69.99 | $99.95 AUD
Nintendo Switch: US$59.99 | $89.95 AUD
NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition price (GameStop exclusive)
The WNBA Edition will be available for US$69.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S and will only be available in the United States (physical only).
NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition
The Superstar Edition will be available for US$99.99 | $159.95 AUD on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
NBA 2K26 Leave No Doubt Edition
The Leave No Doubt Edition will only be available to purchase through September 7 for US$149.99 | $239.95 AUD on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The Leave No Doubt Edition will be available to play one week before worldwide release with early access.