Game Time, Prime Time: SGA, Reese & Melo Lead NBA 2K26’s Bold Era

By DaMarko Webster

2K is bringing the heat with NBA 2K26, revealing a trio of dynamic cover athletes who define the present and future of the game. Leading the charge is Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and newly crowned NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fronting the Standard Edition after a career-defining season that included a Finals MVP and Championship ring. Sharing the spotlight is Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky rookie sensation and WNBA All-Star, who graces the WNBA Edition, a GameStop-exclusive physical release in the U.S. Her presence on the cover is historic—not just for women’s basketball, but for culture, debuting her first signature sneaker, the Angel Reese 1 by Reebok. Rounding out the lineup is Carmelo Anthony, 2025 Hall of Fame inductee, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the NBA’s most iconic scorers, who fronts the Superstar Edition. For a limited time, all three stars unite on the Leave No Doubt Edition, a bold tribute to their legacies and unmatched cultural resonance.

Set to launch on September 5, 2025, NBA 2K26 will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and the new Nintendo Switch 2. Players who pre-order the Superstar or Leave No Doubt Edition will unlock early access starting August 29 at 9 AM PDT. According to 2K’s SVP & GM Zak Armitage, this year’s game is about “immortalizing greatness,” and that mission is reflected in the star power leading it. Gilgeous-Alexander described his cover moment as “a dream come true,” noting the deeper impact of shaping the game’s music and style. Reese called her inclusion “a statement,” one that represents growth, legacy, and the importance of representation for the next generation. Anthony, reflecting on his long career, said the cover honor feels like “a celebration of every chapter, every city, and every fan who believed.”

Beyond the covers, 2K26 is pushing gameplay to new levels. With enhanced ProPLAY tech, players will feel every crossover and contested jumper more viscerally on next-gen consoles. MyCAREER returns with a reimagined journey to stardom, while MyTEAM challenges fans in both single and multiplayer modes with a new lineup of legends. Franchise lovers can explore 30 unique GM storylines in MyNBA, crafting their own dynasty. Whether you’re a rising baller or a veteran fan, NBA 2K26 doesn’t just invite you to play—it dares you to prove yourself. Pre-orders are live now across four editions: Standard, WNBA Edition, Superstar, and Leave No Doubt.