Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA 2K26 cover athlete, according to report

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, capping off a historic year that included MVP honors, a scoring title, an NBA championship, and more.

Tuesday, July 8th 2025, 1:32 pm

By: Jeremie Poplin

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible year continues. After winning MVP, the scoring title, an NBA championship, Finals MVP, signing a $285 million supermax extension, and launching his first signature shoe, SGA will now grace the cover of NBA 2K26, per Shams Charania at ESPN.

SGA signs record-breaking $285 million supermax extension with NBA champion Thunder

Since its debut in 1999, NBA 2K has become a staple of basketball culture, with its annual cover spot regarded as a major honor. Gilgeous-Alexander joins a legendary list of past cover athletes that includes Allen Iverson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.

2K did release an image of what the initial cover will look like.

This is a developing story...

Jeremie Poplin

Jeremie Poplin has been a trusted and familiar voice in Tulsa sports media for nearly 25 years. Jeremie serves as a sports producer and digital sports liaison for News On 6 while entering his 12th season as the radio sideline reporter and analyst for Tulsa football on Golden Hurricane Sports Properties.