NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous Alexander becomes first Canadian cover athlete

2K Sports has announced that Shai Gilgeous Alexander is the main cover star for NBA 2K26. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is now set to lead the next chapter of the long running basketball franchise, following a year where he helped bring home the team’s first ever NBA title.

The reveal was made public late July 8, through a post from sports journalist Shams Charania, before being confirmed by 2K across their channels. Many fans had already expected this choice after Gilgeous Alexander’s standout season, and now, that assumption is proven true.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s 2024 to 2025 season was something few players ever reach. Averaging 32.7 points per game, he claimed the scoring title. He also won Most Valuable Player for the first time and took home the Finals MVP award, leading the Thunder through a powerful playoff run.

In doing this, he became just the fourth athlete in league history to collect all three honors in one season. Only names like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O Neal, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar had done the same. On top of this, he was selected to the All NBA First Team for a third year in a row.

First Canadian Player to Feature on an NBA 2K Cover

This moment is also notable for Canada. Gilgeous Alexander becomes the first Canadian born athlete to appear on any NBA 2K cover. This reflects not just his personal rise, but also the growing influence of international talent in the sport.

Rumors began spreading weeks before the reveal, when Ronnie Singh, known as Ronnie2K, posted a picture with Shai on social media. Fans speculated a connection, and now it’s clear there was something going on behind the scenes.

Other players like Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic were also believed to be in the running. Especially after Doncic’s big trade move, some felt it could be used by 2K as a promotional move. But ultimately, the developers looked toward overall performance, which made Shai the obvious choice.

Being selected for the cover adds Shai’s name to a long list of legendary players. In recent years, the game featured Kobe Bryant, Jayson Tatum, Vince Carter, and Aja Wilson across different editions. Now, it is Shai’s turn to take the spotlight.

His presence signals a shift toward recognizing rising stars. Following his championship win and MVP run, Gilgeous Alexander also signed a new four year deal worth $285 million, which now stands as the highest yearly salary ever seen in the NBA.

Multiple Editions Expected Release Date Still Unconfirmed

So far, only the Standard Edition has been confirmed. But fans familiar with the series know that 2K often puts out several versions of the game each year. It would not be surprising if more editions are revealed very soon.

As for when the game releases, no date has been shared yet. Most entries in the franchise arrive early September, so NBA 2K26 will likely follow that pattern again.

Putting Gilgeous Alexander on the cover captures the direction the league is heading. His rise from young prospect to one of the NBA’s biggest names now feels complete. With success both statistically and through major team wins, it makes sense that NBA 2K26 is choosing to highlight his moment.