Angel Reese has been selected as one of the cover athletes for the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game, joining the ranks of notable WNBA players who have graced the cover in previous editions. This announcement places her alongside Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. Reese, a standout player for the Chicago Sky, follows in the footsteps of Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson, who have all been featured on the WNBA edition covers since NBA 2K22.

The decision to feature Reese has stirred reactions among WNBA fans, particularly due to the exclusion of Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, who garnered the most fan votes for the All-Star game this year. The announcement coincided with Reebok unveiling Reese’s signature shoe, which is prominently displayed on the game cover. Reese expressed her excitement on social media platform X, highlighting the significance of debuting her shoe on such a prestigious platform.

The choice of Reese over Clark has sparked discussions within the basketball community. The two players have been linked since their college days when Reese’s LSU team triumphed over Clark’s Iowa in the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship. Both players entered the WNBA together, with Clark being the top pick in the 2024 draft. Despite this rivalry, both were teammates in last year’s All-Star game.

Reese’s performance this season has been impressive, averaging 13.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per game for the Sky. Her selection as an All-Star once again underscores her impact on and off the court. NBA 2K general manager Zak Armitage explained that Reese embodies the qualities celebrated by NBA 2K26: boldness, confidence, and visionary leadership. Her influence extends beyond her gameplay as she continues to inspire future generations and contribute to the growth of the WNBA’s audience.