2K Games has officially announced the launch of NBA 2K26, unveiling its release date and star-studded covers across multiple editions. The game is set to arrive worldwide on Friday, September 5, 2025, marking another NBA 2K26 MT for Saleambitious fall drop for the franchise. Early access launches for higher-tier editions begin Friday, August 29, allowing fans early play. The announcement also introduces a trio of cover athletes who represent different facets of the league and fanbase, from current MVP-level talent to WNBA excellence to timeless NBA legends.

Cover Athletes
For the Standard Edition, the cover highlights Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the defending NBA MVP. His electrifying scoring, elite ball-handling, and team leadership have made him one of the faces of the modern game. As 2K’s flagship rep for the season, his presence signals a game built on skill and creativity.

The WNBA Edition features rising star Angel Reese. Fresh off her breakout performances and expanding global profile, Reese’s inclusion represents 2K’s continued investment in growing the WNBA audience. Her presence on the cover underscores increasing parity and recognition for women’s basketball within gaming.

Finally, the Superstar Edition, titled “Leave No Doubt,” prominently showcases Carmelo Anthony, the retired scoring legend and Olympic hero. Anthony’s legendary jump‑shooting and tenacity embody basketball's enduring passion. This edition bundles all early-access benefits, exclusive cosmetics, digital content, and notably features Carmelo alongside the current stars.

Release Timeline and Editions
Preorders for NBA 2K26 opened in early July 2025. Customers who grabbed Standard Edition and WNBA Edition access the game starting on Friday, August 29, while the Superstar/Leave No Doubt Edition grants earlier entry on Saturday, August 30. Early access gives players several days of head start to build MyPLAYERs, explore the City hub, and begin developing MyTEAM rosters.

On launch day—September 5, 2025—NBA 2K26 becomes available across all major platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, PC via Steam and (later) Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, and for the first time on the Nintendo Switch 2, which offers full next-gen visuals and features.

What the Covers Represent
The three cover athletes showcase different narrative threads within 2K’s global strategy. Gilgeous‑Alexander carries the elite present of the NBA, where high-flying offense and individual flair dominate highlight reels. Angel Reese’s inclusion marks 2K’s deepening connection with the WNBA and diverse audiences looking for representation and new heroes. Carmelo Anthony, meanwhile, anchors nostalgia and legacy—embracing longtime fans and celebrating basketball history.

By mixing active stars, rising figures, and legends, 2K aims to reach multiple demographics—competitive-wear fans chasing MVP builds, WNBA-savvy players unlocking new communities, and veteran supporters remembering peaks of the early 2000s. This multi-generational cover approach creates broader appeal and stands out in an era where sporting culture truly spans across generations.

Expectations Heading into Launch
With the release date confirmed and covers unveiled, attention now turns to what NBA 2K26 will deliver under the hood. Over the next month, 2K is expected to reveal its full gameplay roadmap—including details on MyPLAYER customization, revamped mechanics, MyTEAM improvements, MyCAREER narrative enhancements, The City hub experience, and crossplay functionality.

Community excitement is already high. Fans anticipate a return to skill‑based gameplay, fairer builder systems, expanded WNBA integration, and story arcs that feel more dynamic and impactful. Integration with real‑world NBA and WNBA events—All‑Star Game, playoffs, parity days—has also been teased.

Ultimately, the cover reveal and release dates set the stage for NBA 2K26’s ambition: to be more inclusive, competitive, and true to the modern basketball era. With a trio of athletes representing today’s stars, tomorrow’s heroes, and basketball’s legacy, NBA 2K26 is preparing to redefine fan expectations in its next generation.