2K Games has officially revealed that Oklahoma City Thunder's dynamic guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will grace the cover of NBA 2K26. This announcement comes on the heels of an extraordinary season where Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to their first NBA championship, cementing his status as one of the league's brightest stars. Fans had long speculated about his potential appearance on the next NBA 2K cover, given his pivotal role in the team's historic success.

For context, last year's NBA 2K cover athletes included Jayson Tatum, A'ja Wilson, and Vince Carter, each representing different editions of the game. NBA 2K24 paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, a move that resonated deeply with the basketball community. Now, NBA 2K26 shifts focus to a new generation of talent, with Gilgeous-Alexander taking center stage.

Affectionately known as SGA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has quickly risen to prominence in the NBA. Last season, he averaged an impressive 32.7 points per game, earning the NBA MVP title for the 2024-2025 season. His leadership and clutch performances were instrumental in the Thunder's championship run. As one of the highest-rated players in NBA 2K25, his selection as the face of NBA 2K26 is a natural progression, celebrating his meteoric rise in the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's cover appearance marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Canadian basketball player to feature on an NBA 2K game. Speculation about his selection began in June when Ronnie Singh, aka Ronnie2K, posted a photo with the NBA star on social media, sparking widespread rumors. Ronnie2K, 2K Games' Digital Marketing Director, is known for his cryptic teasers and has been at the heart of several NBA 2K controversies over the years.

While SGA was a popular choice, other superstars like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic were also strong contenders. Doncic's high-profile trade from the Dallas Mavericks led some to believe it could be a marketing opportunity for 2K Sports to capitalize on. However, Visual Concepts and 2K Sports ultimately prioritized on-court excellence, selecting Gilgeous-Alexander as the ideal ambassador for NBA 2K26.