Inside NBA 2K26’s Cover Star Choice: Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Was the Perfect Pick
NBA 2K26 Cover Star: The Inside Scoop on the Selection Process
Every year, NBA 2K fans eagerly await the announcement of the game’s cover athlete. This time, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) took the spotlight for NBA 2K26, but how exactly does 2K choose its cover stars? Zak Armitage, NBA 2K’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, reveals that it’s much more than a last-minute pick—it’s a year-long partnership.
- How NBA 2K selects its cover athletes
- Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the perfect fit for NBA 2K26
- Behind-the-scenes collaboration between SGA and 2K Games
- Release details and platforms for NBA 2K26
Not Just a Last-Minute Decision
Contrary to popular belief, the cover star choice isn’t made during the NBA Finals. Zak Armitage explained that the process often starts months or even years in advance. It’s about building relationships with players who are current or future superstars. “It’s not just putting someone’s image on a cover. It’s a partnership; it’s a year-long partnership that we’re entering into together,” Armitage shared.
This approach ensures that the cover athlete aligns with the game’s theme, the player’s career stage, and their legacy goals. For SGA, this partnership has been developing over several years, with the star appearing in various marketing campaigns and in-game features before finally landing the cover.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Unique Contribution
SGA didn’t just lend his face and skills to NBA 2K26. He worked closely with 2K Games to bring his signature tunnel outfits and overall aura into the game, adding a personal touch that fans will appreciate.
About the experience, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Every kid who grows up playing basketball pictures themselves on the cover of NBA 2K — it’s a dream come true moment, especially following an NBA Championship. Being on the cover is iconic, but working with 2K and Visual Concepts to set the tone in-game from curating the tunnel fits to the playlist that players will ball to is what makes this truly special.”
NBA 2K26 Release Info
NBA 2K26 Standard Edition, featuring SGA on the cover, is set to launch on September 5. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X for $69.99. For the original Nintendo Switch, the price is $59.99.
