Angel Reese Becomes First WNBA Star on NBA 2K26 Cover—Historic Win for Women’s Basketball
When I first saw Angel Reese’s name pop up as the cover athlete for the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26, my heart leapt with pride. This isn’t just another video game cover. It’s a powerful statement about representation, perseverance, and pride. Angel standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Carmelo Anthony on multiple covers isn’t just historic—it’s monumental for the world of women’s basketball.
I remember vividly watching her at LSU during the 2023 NCAA tournament, dominating the court and captivating the world. Seeing her now, just 23 and already a two-time WNBA All‑Star, on the cover of a major gaming franchise, it feels like full circle. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, those early mornings in Baltimore at Saint Frances Academy, moving through Maryland, then LSU, and finally blossoming in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky.
When Angel reacted—“The sky is the limit—even bigger than that as long as you trust whatever you want and never let anybody put limitations on who you can be and what you can be”—it hit me hard. It wasn’t just a quote; it was a heartbeat. She reminded people not just of talent but of vision and conviction.
Her cover isn’t just symbolic. It’s a message to every young girl, especially those who look like her, that they belong in arenas where they were once overlooked. She’s stepping into spaces few before her dared to walk. After her NCAA success, with record-breaking double-doubles and the memorable showdown against Caitlin Clark, Reese was already a force. But this cover? It takes that force and amplifies it globally.
There were murmurs online, sure. Some wondered why Caitlin Clark didn’t snag the cover instead. But Angel’s stats, her cultural influence, and her signature shoe debut with Reebok—the Angel Reese 1—present a narrative of growth and progression that deserved this spotlight. She wasn’t just picked; she earned it. Her record for six straight games with 15+ rebounds, breaking LSU legends’ marks, and now representing WNBA players in one of the world’s most popular sports games—it’s earned, not given.
Beyond basketball, Angel’s cover speaks to moments larger than sport. She’s featured in Vogue, launched a successful podcast, teamed up on campaigns with McDonald’s and Hershey’s, and supported her community through her Angel C. Reese Foundation. That’s the kind of multifaceted influence this moment represents. The cover says she’s more than an athlete—she’s a culture-maker, a role model.
And think about it: when kids fire up NBA 2K26 this September, the first image many will see—before the menu, before the gameplay—will be Angel Reese holding the ball, ready. It’s a childhood dream come true echoed across countless bedrooms. For countless girls sitting on courts or gaming chairs, she’ll be the first face they learn to dribble with, shoot with, and admire. It sets a new scene for generational fandom.
Let’s be clear: Angel isn’t just celebrating personal validation. She’s opening a door. A WNBA edition box on store shelves, a physical cartridge at GameStop—these aren’t small wins. They’re signs that the industry is embracing women’s basketball in tangible ways. And through her, games are starting to evolve, franchise modes may start to better reflect women’s teams, and a new wave of WNBA fans might just be born through gaming.
I think back to Candace Parker—the first woman on an NBA 2K cover back in 2021—and realize this isn’t an isolated triumph. It’s a growing movement. And Angel is carrying the torch forward. It’s inclusive, powerful, and long overdue.
As a fan, it feels personal. It feels like we’re flipping through history and seeing a chapter unfold in real time. It’s a celebration of talent, yes, but also of boldness. Angel didn’t shy from controversy—she embraced it, matured through it, and channeled it into performance. Her journey shows that authenticity, grit, and excellence can rewrite the game.
When I reflect on the ripple effect, I think of the kids in Baton Rouge, in Baltimore, in every town where girls dream about dunking or dribbling their way to greatness. Angel Reese on a 2K cover? It’s more than a face; it’s a promise. A promise that if you work, create, speak up, dare to exist, platforms will rise to meet you.
Because if Angel can stand front and center, why shouldn’t they?