Why Was Angel Reese Picked Over Caitlin Clark For ‘NBA 2K26’ Cover? Executive Explains

NBA 2K season is almost here, and the popular video game company unveiled its cover stars for NBA 2K26 this week: reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Hall of Fame inductee Carmelo Anthony, and WNBA All-Star Angel Reese. Many fans questioned how the Chicago Sky forward got the nod over Caitlin Clark, and an NBA 2K executive explained why in a new interview.

“Well, we’re never scared to start conversation,” Zak Armitage, Senior Vice President and General Manager of NBA 2K and 2K Sports Lab, told journalist Marc Griffin. “That’s part of our game, [it] often provokes debate and conversation. Basketball is full of it, that’s what’s fun about the sport as well as being a fan of it, so we never shy away from that.”

Ultimately, Armitage stated that the relationship 2K has had with Reese over the years is what led to her getting the cover, much like he said about SGA earlier in the interview. “It’s something that we build up to,” he stated. “We’ve had a great relationship with Angel, and we love her on-court and off the court style. And she’s willing to provoke conversation and be audacious too, so this year we’re really excited to partner with her. It felt [like] the right time.” Watch below.

Reese joins an elite class of WNBA talent who have graced 2K covers ever since their rosters were featured in the game as of NBA 2K20. It began with Candace Parker on the WNBA 25th anniversary edition of NBA 2K22, followed by Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird co-starring on NBA 2K23, Sabrina Ionescu grabbing the spotlight on NBA 2K24, and A’ja Wilson rightfully getting the NBA 2K25 cover.

The 23-year-old hooper has already left her mark on the W, earning an All-Star nod in her rookie season and setting the single-season record for rebounds. This past May, she surpassed Tina Charles as the fastest player to record 500 points and 500 rebounds, doing so in 38 games. The following month, she became the fastest forward and third fastest overall WNBA player in history to record a triple-double with her stellar performance in a 78-66 win over the Connecticut Sun.

Though Clark is often considered the better player and the face of the WNBA, Reese has continually reminded fans why she cannot be ignored. Their paths have run parallel since their legendary battles in college, and likely always will, which is what sparks these consistent debates. Clark is a shoo-in for an NBA 2K cover at some point in her career if she continues on this trajectory, but Reese has gained another checkbox on her resume that the Indiana Fever guard does not have for the time being. Check out the cover below.