Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA 2K26 Cover Athlete

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard, has been named the cover athlete for NBA 2K26 after leading his team to their first NBA championship in the 2024-25 season and earning both NBA MVP and Finals MVP honors. He also led the league in scoring and secured a record-setting four-year, $285 million supermax contract extension. Gilgeous-Alexander is the first Canadian and second active Thunder player, after Kevin Durant, to appear on the standard edition cover of the NBA 2K franchise. He has multiple All-NBA First Team selections, and his selection as cover athlete is considered a 'no-brainer' after his historic season. The NBA 2K26 game is scheduled for release in September, with significant anticipation from fans. The honor highlights his status as one of the league's most dominant and influential stars.