In what can only be described as the Summer of SGA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially been named the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
This announcement caps off an extraordinary few months for the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, who has quickly cemented his place among basketball’s elite. Just this summer alone, Gilgeous-Alexander has:
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Won the NBA MVP award
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Claimed the league scoring title
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Led the Thunder to their first-ever NBA championship
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Earned Finals MVP honors
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Signed a record-breaking $285 million supermax extension
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Released his first signature shoe
And now, he’s adding another prestigious milestone to the list: gracing the cover of NBA 2K26.
Shams broke the news on social media with the statement:
“Summer of SGA: MVP award, league scoring title, an NBA championship, Finals MVP, a $285 million super max extension, first signature shoe release ... and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will grace the new cover of NBA 2K26, per sources.”
Summer of SGA: MVP award, league scoring title, an NBA championship, Finals MVP, a $285 million super max extension, first signature shoe release ... and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will grace the new cover of NBA 2K26, per sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2025
While 2K has yet to make an official announcement, all signs point to an imminent reveal. The official NBA 2K account has updated its profile photo with the NBA 2K26 logo, strongly suggesting that the NBA 2K26 cover will be unveiled on July 9.
This timing makes perfect sense: the NBA 2K26 Summer League tips off on July 10, and it would be fitting for the reveal to lead directly into the summer’s most anticipated showcase for rookies and rising stars.
BREAKING: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the cover athlete of NBA 2K26. Confirmed by Shams Charania. Still waiting for 2K to officially reveal it. https://t.co/Qmc26uuiEX pic.twitter.com/thq7fmI7l9
— NBA 2K25 Community (@nba2kcmty) July 8, 2025
SGA’s selection reflects not only his on-court brilliance but also his global appeal and status as a face of the league’s future. With his smooth playing style, clutch performances, and growing brand, Shai is more than ready for the spotlight.
NBA 2K26 is already shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most exciting editions and having Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the cover is just the beginning.