With the NBA 2K26 Summer League set to begin on July 10, 2025, fans are already speculating about when 2K will reveal the cover for the upcoming game. Last year, the NBA 2K25 cover was unveiled just two days before the Summer League tip-off. Following that pattern, it’s expected that the NBA 2K26 cover will be revealed around July 8, 2025.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Most Likely Cover Athlete
Although 2K has not officially announced the cover athlete, the most sensible and exciting choice is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA Championship and becoming one of the league’s brightest stars, Shai’s dynamic playing style and recent success make him an ideal candidate to represent NBA 2K26.
His rise and historic championship win position him perfectly to be the face of this year’s game, symbolizing the new era of the NBA.
What does NBA 2K26 need to be GREAT? pic.twitter.com/bI2STELykf
— NBA 2K25 Community (@nba2kcmty) June 18, 2025
Timing the Reveal with the Summer League
The Summer League will run from July 10 to July 20, 2025, featuring all 30 NBA teams with games broadcast live on ESPN platforms and NBA TV. This event provides a perfect backdrop for 2K to announce the cover athlete, capturing the attention of basketball fans worldwide just before the league’s young stars take the court.
Expected Release Date
While 2K has yet to confirm the exact launch date, the series traditionally releases in early September. For NBA 2K26, the anticipated release date is Friday, September 5, 2025.