Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA 2K26 Cover Athlete
On July 8, 2025, the NBA officially announced that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reigning NBA MVP and star player of the Oklahoma City Thunder, will be the cover athlete for the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game. This announcement was made through the NBA’s official channels and confirmed by 2K Sports, the game’s developer and publisher.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned the MVP award for his outstanding performance during the 2024-2025 NBA season, leading the Thunder with exceptional scoring, playmaking, and leadership. His selection as the cover athlete highlights his rising prominence in the league and his impact on the game.
NBA 2K26 is scheduled for release in September 2025 across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Featuring Gilgeous-Alexander on the cover aims to celebrate his achievements and connect fans with the latest iteration of the popular basketball simulation franchise.
Image credit: NBA / 2K Sports
