The highly anticipated cover athlete for NBA 2K26 has been officially unveiled, and it’s none other than the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dynamic guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This announcement marks a significant moment, as it’s the first time a Thunder player has graced the standard edition cover since Kevin Durant. Notably, perennial cover favorites LeBron James and Stephen Curry will not be featured this year, making way for the reigning MVP and NBA champion.
A New Face for the Franchise: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s selection as the NBA 2K26 cover athlete comes on the heels of a truly remarkable and historic season. The Thunder star led his team to their first-ever NBA championship in 2025, culminating a campaign that also saw him secure the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His exceptional performance, including leading the league in scoring and earning both Western Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors, made him an undeniable choice for the prestigious cover.
SGA’s incredible 2024-2025 season saw him average 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 51.9% from the field. His consistent dominance and leadership propelled the Thunder to a stellar 68-14 regular-season record and ultimately, the NBA title. This individual and team success solidifies his place as one of the league’s elite and most marketable stars.
Breaking the Mold: No LeBron or Steph
For years, the NBA 2K cover has often featured basketball legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Their consistent brilliance and global appeal have made them familiar faces for the game’s marketing. However, NBA 2K26’s decision to feature Gilgeous-Alexander signals a shift, highlighting the emergence of new superstar talent in the league. This move allows a fresh face to represent the franchise and celebrate the accomplishments of a player at the peak of his powers.
A Thunder Return: First Since Kevin Durant
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s appearance on the NBA 2K26 cover is particularly significant for the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. He is the first Thunder player to be featured on the standard edition cover since Kevin Durant, who was on the cover of NBA 2K13 and NBA 2K15. This acknowledges the Thunder’s resurgence as a dominant force in the league and their championship success, with SGA at the forefront.
Pre-orders for NBA 2K26 are going live today, July 9, 2025, with the game expected to be released in September. Further details regarding special editions and gameplay enhancements are anticipated to be revealed in the coming weeks.
