NBA 2K26 Cover Athletes for Leave No Doubt Edition—Carmelo Anthony, SGA and Angel Reese!
This trio is about to be the reason behind some broken controllers, joysticks and much trash talk. One of the most iconic sports games announced their NBA 2K26 cover athletes for the Leave No Doubt Edition featuring Carmelo Anthony, Angel Reese and 2025 MVP and champ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Each of these basketball players will star on individual covers as well. Angel (whose upcoming signature shoe can be seen on her cover); becomes the second WNBA cover athlete ever on the 2026 WNBA edition. While Carmelo Anthony will be featured on the Superstar Edition and SGA is front and center on the Standard Edition.
Zak Armitage, SVP & GM of NBA 2K commented on the featured stars for 2026. He states,
“SGA’s elite IQ and ice-cold composure mixed with his effortless street style, Angel’s on-court bravado and ability to own the moment, and Carmelo’s reputation as one of the most iconic trendsetters and prolific scorers in NBA history leave no doubt they’re superstars on the court and in any room they walk into. NBA 2K26 is all about proving yourself on the court, and immortalizing greatness. These three are among the boldest, most confident, and stylish personalities in the NBA and WNBA.”
Carmelo and SGA also had thoughts on being NBA2K cover stars. They are both thrilled be a part of the project. SGA says, “Every kid who grows up playing basketball pictures themselves on the cover of NBA 2K – it’s a dream come true moment, especially following an NBA Championship. Being on the cover is iconic but working with 2K and Visual Concepts to set the tone in-game from curating the tunnel fits to the playlist that players will ball to is what makes this truly special.”
Carmelo Anthony also is excited to be one of the faces of NBA 2K for 2026. And feels it just adds to his amazing legacy. Anthony mentions,
“For more than 20 years, 2K fans have been a part of my journey. Being honored on the cover of NBA 2K26 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year is surreal. It’s a celebration of every chapter, every city that embraced me, every team that believed in me, and every person who’s been part of this ride with me.”
NBA 2K26 Cover Athletes for Leave No Doubt Edition—Carmelo Anthony, SGA and Angel Reese!
But what about the actual game? The 2K Newsroom discussed not only the covers but some the aspects gamers will be able to enjoy. NBA 2K says,
“Today, 2K revealed that the three-time All-Star Oklahoma City Thunder Point Guard, 2024-25 KIA Most Valuable Player, and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will be this year’s cover athlete for the NBA® 2K26 Standard Edition. Angel Reese, Chicago Sky Forward, AT&T WNBA All-Star, 2024 All-Rookie Team, and NCAA Champion will grace the NBA® 2K26 WNBA Edition, a GameStop Exclusive Physical Edition available in the United States. The 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee, 10-time NBA All-Star, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Carmelo Anthony, will be featured on the NBA® 2K26 Superstar Edition. Available for a limited time, Gilgeous-Alexander, Reese, and Anthony will additionally share the cover of the NBA® 2K26 Leave No Doubt Edition.
In NBA 2K26, bragging rights are on the line in every mode. With all-new ProPLAY features, players on Gen 9 will experience the immersive technology like never before, as they feel connected to every dribble and crossover with revamped size-ups, and experience fast-paced dynamic movement. Fans can build a transcendent MyPLAYER as they strive to reach the pinnacle of NBA stardom in a reimagined MyCAREER journey and team up with friends to battle rival squads in a fresh and more optimized City. MyTEAM in NBA 2K26 will put past and present legends to the test in new single-player and multiplayer modes while players can lead a franchise as a General Manager in MyNBA, with 30 unique storylines to win a championship. More details on NBA 2K26 will be shared in the coming weeks.”
Awesome. Well, this is all great news for NBA and WNBA fans. There’s a little something for everyone.
NBA 2K26 will be available on September 5 on PlayStation5 (PS5), PlayStation4 (PS4), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Early access will start one week prior on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM PDT for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC players that get the Superstar Edition or the limited Leave No Doubt Edition.
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