NBA 2K26 releases on September 5 with star covers

On July 8, 2025, 2K Games officially announced the release date for NBA 2K26, confirming it will be available on September 5, 2025. This popular basketball simulation game will feature a variety of editions, each showcasing notable athletes on their covers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, has secured his place as the cover athlete for the standard edition, which will retail for $69.99 across multiple platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X'S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, the game will celebrate other basketball stars such as Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony. Reese, a forward for the Chicago Sky, will be featured on the WNBA edition of the game, marking a significant milestone in her career as she also debuts her first-ever signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, with Reebok. Meanwhile, Anthony is set to grace the cover of the superstar edition, an honor reflecting his illustrious career and impending induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The announcement of these special editions emphasizes representation in sports and gaming. Angel Reese expressed her gratitude, stating that her appearance on the cover is not merely a personal achievement but a statement for young girls in sports, encouraging them to be confident and bold. In addition to the standard and specialty editions, a fourth version of NBA 2K26 will include all three athletes on its cover, showcasing a shared celebration of excellence across genders in basketball. This move aligns with the growing recognition and impact of the WNBA and women's sports as a whole, highlighting the importance of representation and visibility in the gaming industry. As anticipation builds for the game's release, fans and players alike look forward to not just new gameplay features but also to the inspiring stories of the athletes involved, which resonate beyond the virtual court.