"NBA 2K26" is coming soon, and it has revealed that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the face of the upcoming game slated for later this year, marking a historic moment not only for the franchise but for the entire basketball community.
'NBA 2K26' Unveils New Cover Athlete
2K has unveiled the new cover athlete of its upcoming game, "NBA 2K26," and it is none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being featured in the Standard Edition version of the title. Gilgeous-Alexander, also known by his initials "SGA," recently had in the regular and postseason of the NBA, earning him significant recognition in the sport.
The generational run continues ⚡️
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 8, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is your #NBA2K26 Standard Edition Cover Athlete!
Pre-order NBA 2K26 starting tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/1pQTtWOUh2
This is also the first official announcement of the next installment of the basketball gaming franchise, succeeding its annual release of titles, including last year's "NBA 2K25."
SGA is the latest addition to the list of cover athletes for the game, which includes Jayson Tatum, A'ja Wilson, and Vince Carter.
There is still no word on the other athletes who will also be on the cover of "NBA 2K26's" other versions, namely the WNBA and Hall of Fame Edition as they have only named the Standard Edition Cover Athlete.
Gilgeous-Alexander is undoubtedly one of the league's rising stars, and his "NBA 2K25" version also received one of the highest ratings in the game, making him a great fit for the cover.
Historic Recognition
However, this latest recognition for SGA is more than him being one of the league's most recognizable faces with a massive fan base. According to the NBA, Gilgeous-Alexander went on a significant run during the regular season, putting up 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game, leading his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to a 68-14 record and the top spot in the Western Conference.
Oklahoma City went on to win the title and the Naismith trophy in the recently concluded NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder's starting point guard also nabbed the Finals MVP recognition in his historic run. He was likewise named the season's MVP title and the best scorer.
SGA being the cover athlete for this year's "NBA 2K26" is a well-deserved recognition and is not surprising for the Thunder superstar.
Additionally, according to GameRant, Gilgeous-Alexander is also the first Canadian to be featured as a cover athlete in an "NBA 2K" game, making history with this latest announcement.
Other previously rumored cover athletes for "NBA 2K26" are Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, as well as Los Angeles Lakers guard, Luka Dončić.
