Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially been named the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, which has made him the first Oklahoma City Thunder player since Kevin Durant to receive the honor.
After a season packed with accolades and unforgettable moments, Gilgeous-Alexander’s presence on the front of the NBA 2K series feels well earned. His performance throughout the 2024–25 campaign has sparked widespread discussions about who might take over as the league’s next defining superstar once LeBron James and Stephen Curry eventually step away from the game. For the team at 2K Sports, the answer is already clear.
The 26-year-old led the Thunder to a playoff run that ended with a Game 7 victory in the NBA Finals over the Indiana Pacers. In that decisive game, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterful 29-point, 12-assist performance to help secure Oklahoma City’s first championship since the Durant-Westbrook era.
While some fans and analysts have debated whether his style of play merits the superstar label, his numbers and accolades speak volumes. Throughout the season, he consistently proved to be the most dominant and complete player on the court. And now, he’ll represent the league as the face of NBA 2K26’s standard edition, which is scheduled for release this September.
2K’s official social media channels shared the announcement along with a preview of the upcoming cover, featuring Gilgeous-Alexander front and center.
