[blog] NBA 2K26 Cover Stars Are a Whole Vibe

It’s official: NBA 2K26 drops September 5th, and the cover lineup is straight 🔥. They didn’t just run it back—they upgraded the whole energy.

First up, Canada’s own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is front and center on the Standard Edition. Smooth, consistent, and cold with it, he’s more than earned the spotlight. Then, we got Angel Reese on the WNBA cover, and listen—Reebok heat, fearless game, and fastest to 500 points and rebounds in league history? Come on, that’s iconic energy. She’s showing young hoopers everywhere how to build a legacy from day one.

And the Superstar Edition? That belongs to Carmelo Anthony. Finally, Melo gets his flowers on the Knicks-era tip. It’s his fourth appearance on a 2K cover, but this one feels different—it’s Hall of Fame timing, and they did it right.

What I love most is how 2K’s blending legacy and next-gen. They’re telling a full-court story—past, present, and future all on one roster. Whether you’re grinding MyCareer or just repping your fave, this edition is a cultural celebration.

NBA 2K26 ain’t just a game—it’s a moment.