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# NBA 2K26 Reveals Canada's own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Cover Athlete
- URL: https://www.agamingnetwork.com/nba-2k26-reveals-canadas-own-shai-gilgeous-alexander-angel-reese-and-carmelo-anthonyas-cover-athletes-launches-september-5/
- Published: 2025-07-10T02:30:51.000Z
- Updated: 2025-07-10T02:30:51.000Z
- Author: Marcel Dee
- Tags: News

**2K** has officially unveiled the cover athletes for **NBA 2K26**, launching worldwide on **September 5, 2025**, with early access beginning **August 29** for certain editions. This year’s cover lineup celebrates basketball excellence, culture, and the journeys of three iconic athletes:

- **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**, a **Canadian**, three-time NBA All-Star, 2024–25 NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP, graces the **Standard Edition** cover.
- **Angel Reese**, Chicago Sky forward, WNBA All-Star and rising superstar, headlines the **WNBA Edition**, exclusive to GameStop in the US.
- **Carmelo Anthony**, Hall of Fame inductee and 10-time NBA All-Star, is featured on the **Superstar Edition**.
- All three appear together on the premium **Leave No Doubt Edition**, available for a limited time.

### Why These Stars?

> “NBA 2K26 is all about proving yourself on the court, and immortalizing greatness,” said Zak Armitage, SVP & GM of NBA 2K. “Shai, Angel, and Carmelo embody what it means to be bold, confident, and impactful both on and off the hardwood.”

**Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**, a proud Canadian and one of the brightest young stars in the league, called his cover appearance “a dream come true,” especially after winning the NBA Championship. **Angel Reese**, debuting her **Angel Reese 1 signature shoe** on the cover, emphasized the importance of representing women’s basketball and inspiring young girls. **Carmelo Anthony** described his cover as “a celebration of every chapter” of his legendary career.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a3/ec/a3eca723-12fa-420a-82c8-9461bd427c84/content/images/2025/07/NBA-2K26-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander_First-Look.jpg)

### What’s New in NBA 2K26?

NBA 2K26 introduces a number of exciting updates and gameplay enhancements:

- **ProPLAY Features (Gen 9)**: Advanced responsiveness with improved size-ups, faster dynamic movement, and more authentic dribbling.
- **MyCAREER**: A reimagined journey to NBA stardom, with deeper customization and an updated City to explore.
- **MyTEAM**: New single-player and multiplayer modes, testing past and present legends.
- **MyNBA**: Manage your franchise through **30 unique storylines** en route to a championship.
- Early access for certain editions starts **August 29**, letting players experience it all before release.

### Editions and Pricing

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a3/ec/a3eca723-12fa-420a-82c8-9461bd427c84/content/images/2025/07/NBA-2K26-Standard-Edition-Cover.jpg)

#### Standard Edition

- $69.99 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch 2)
- $59.99 (Nintendo Switch)
- Features **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**, the Canadian superstar

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a3/ec/a3eca723-12fa-420a-82c8-9461bd427c84/content/images/2025/07/NBA-2K26-WNBA-Edition-Cover.jpg)

#### WNBA Edition (GameStop US Exclusive, Physical)

- $69.99 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
- Features **Angel Reese**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a3/ec/a3eca723-12fa-420a-82c8-9461bd427c84/content/images/2025/07/NBA-2K26-Superstar-Edition-Cover.jpg)

#### Superstar Edition

- $99.99 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
- Includes 100,000 VC, MyCAREER and MyTEAM bonuses, early access starting August 29

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a3/ec/a3eca723-12fa-420a-82c8-9461bd427c84/content/images/2025/07/NBA-2K26-Leave-No-Doubt-Edition-Cover.jpg)

#### Leave No Doubt Edition (Limited Time — Until September 7)

- $149.99 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
- Includes everything from Superstar Edition, plus extra VC, Season passes, exclusive MyTEAM cards and MyCAREER cosmetics, and early access

Full details, pre-order information, and availability are at the **official NBA 2K26 website**.

### Release Schedule

- Early Access (Superstar & Leave No Doubt Editions): **August 29**
- Global Release: **September 5**

Available on **PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2**.

### A Celebration of Basketball and Culture

This year’s cover stars reflect a powerful mix of skill, confidence, and influence. Canada’s own **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander** brings cool composure and elite playmaking, Angel Reese represents the growing impact of the WNBA, and Carmelo Anthony showcases the enduring legacy of NBA greats.