In a bold and culturally resonant move, Angel Reese has been named the cover athlete for the WNBA Edition of NBA 2K26, marking a milestone moment in her already meteoric rise. The announcement, made July 9 by 2K Games, positions her alongside NBA stars Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (Standard Edition) and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony (Superstar Edition)—all three also appearing together on the exclusive Leave No Doubt cover New York Post+15ABC7 Chicago+15Instagram+15.

A Statement Beyond Sport

Reese’s selection is more than just a gaming milestone—it’s a powerful declaration about representation and momentum in women’s basketball. At just 23, the “Chi‑Town Barbie” has already shattered league records. She’s the fastest WNBA player ever to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds (just 38 games) and set a rookie record with 15 straight double-doubles Polygon+1Wikipedia+1.

In her own words: “Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover … it’s a statement. It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically” High Post Hoops+4Polygon+42K Newsroom+4.

Reebok, Shoes, and Brands

Adding to the achievement, Reese’s signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1 by Reebok, makes its debut on the cover Talksport+15Polygon+15king5.com+15. This launch comes after her major NIL and endorsement surge—including partnerships with Reebok, McDonald’s, and Vogue—and cements her as a marketing powerhouse .

2K’s senior vice president Zak Armitage highlighted why Reese was selected over other prominent athletes like Caitlin Clark, noting that Reese aligns with the game’s celebration of “the bold, the confident, and the visionaries … carries all that on and off the court” People.com+10SI+10Fox News+10.

Rivalry with Caitlin Clark – Down but Not Out?

Much of the attention surrounding Reese’s 2K cover centers on her long-discussed rivalry with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark. Their clash at the 2023 NCAA Championship—when Reese’s LSU bested Iowa and she famously taunted Clark—sparked national headlines Instagram+12People.com+12Fox News+12.

However, some fans and media felt Clark might have been the obvious face of the WNBA version, given her massive popularity SI+5The Sun+5Yahoo Thể Thao+5. 2K’s executives, though, cited Reese’s record-breaking stats, cultural influence, and burgeoning legacy as decisive factors in their pick 2K Newsroom.

Still, the narrative that Clark is now “irrelevant” due to injuries may be premature or overstated. Though she’s missed significant time, she’s still averaging strong numbers—around 13 points and 9–10 rebounds per game—and remains a two‑time All‑Star and future talent . The “battle” framing may simply reflect a media trope fueled by past on‑court theatrics, rather than a true decline in form.

Community and Culture at the Forefront

Support for Reese has come from high-profile advocates. NBA Hall‑of‑Famer Shaquille O’Neal recently branded himself her “protector,” warning critics to cease personal attacks Talksport+1The Times of India+1. Meanwhile, Gilbert Arenas defended her selection over criticism, emphasizing her impact and star power The Times of India.

Even civil rights leader Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., urged restraint amid the social media tension ignited by claims involving Caitlin Clark . The dialogue reflects broader conversations on racism, sexism, and media narratives in women’s sports.

Gaming Specs & Release Info

Release Date: September 5, 2025 (with early access for Superstar and Leave No Doubt editions starting August 29)
WNBA Edition: Exclusive physical release at GameStop (US only) for $69.99 on PS5/Xbox Series X|S
Superstar Edition: $99.99, features Carmelo Anthony, early access to gameplay extras
Leave No Doubt Edition: Includes Reese, Melo, and Gilgeous‑Alexander, with premium VC and bonus content; released through September 7

What This Means

Angel Reese’s presence on NBA 2K26’s cover isn’t just a gaming coup—it’s a symbol of how far WNBA culture has surged. It’s a recognition of her unique blend of elite performance, brand appeal, and fearless personality. The cover moment takes place in the broader effort to uplift women’s sports, inspiring a generation to embrace confidence and excellence.

Final Take

Angel Reese is doing more than playing; she’s leading. The WNBA Edition of NBA 2K26 isn’t just featuring a star—it’s capturing a movement. As the digital courts open this September, Reese’s legacy—on and off the court—will reverberate in living rooms and beyond, proving that women’s basketball isn’t just growing, it’s at the center of today’s cultural game.