Angel Reese Named Cover Athlete for NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition

Angel Reese’s selection marks a major milestone not just for her career, but for the visibility of women’s basketball in the gaming industry. Since her WNBA debut in 2024, the former LSU standout has rapidly risen through the league’s ranks to become one of its most marketable and celebrated young stars. She was the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds and made history by recording 15 consecutive double-doubles—an all-time league record. Now a two-time WNBA All-Star, Reese continues to captivate fans with her commanding presence on and off the court.

This year’s NBA 2K26 covers feature a powerful lineup across various editions. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the face of the Standard Edition and Carmelo Anthony graces the Superstar Edition, Reese stands out as the face of the WNBA Edition—a nod to her game-changing influence and cultural relevance. All three athletes are also featured together on the special “Leave No Doubt” cover, a symbolic message about excellence across generations and leagues.

The cover reveal also gave fans a first look at her upcoming signature shoe—the Angel Reese 1 from Reebok making her one of the few WNBA players with a signature sneaker. Her inclusion in NBA 2K26 is expected to boost the game’s WNBA visibility and inspire a new wave of young female gamers and athletes.

Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising both the design and the choice of Reese as the cover athlete. However, some within the gaming community are calling for deeper and more meaningful gameplay improvements in the WNBA modes of NBA 2K26 to match the momentum of representation.

Angel Reese’s feature on the cover of NBA 2K26 is yet another accolade in what has already been a record-breaking start to her professional career. As her profile continues to rise, so too does the prominence of women’s basketball on the global stage.