Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been announced as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, following his outstanding MVP season and championship victory, the game developers revealed on Tuesday. The scoring leader and last season’s final MVP will appear on the standard edition of the game after averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, steering the Oklahoma City Thunder to an impressive 68-14 record.
The Thunder posted a remarkable 12.9 point per game margin, the largest in league history, and triumphed over the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series to claim the NBA title. Gilgeous-Alexander recently secured a four-year, $285 million contract extension in recognition of his remarkable performance. Although the exact release date for NBA 2K26 is still pending, it is expected to launch in September.
Last year’s cover athlete was Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. The announcement also comes amid 2K Games’ plans to reengage with the college basketball video game market, though it remains unclear if this will mean reviving a dedicated college basketball franchise or incorporating college hoops into the NBA franchise. 2K Games confirmed they have a strong legacy in college basketball gaming and are exploring innovative ways to bring athletes and institutions to life.
Fan Take: This announcement is thrilling for basketball fans as Gilgeous-Alexander’s appearance on the NBA 2K26 cover marks a celebration of exceptional talent and the rising stars shaping the future of the sport. It also signals exciting possibilities for the integration of college basketball into gaming, potentially transforming how fans experience the journey from collegiate to professional basketball.
