Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the cover athlete of NBA 2K26 after a remarkable season where he earned MVP honors and led his team to the championship, as announced by the game’s developers.

In the previous season, he was the top scorer and finals MVP, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game, while driving the Oklahoma City Thunder to an impressive 68-14 record.

The Thunder showcased a dominant performance, outscoring their opponents by an average of 12.9 points per game, which is a record margin in the league’s history. They secured the NBA title against the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. Recently, Gilgeous-Alexander celebrated his achievements with a groundbreaking four-year, $285 million contract extension.

A release date for NBA 2K26 is forthcoming, with the game expected to launch in September.

Last year’s cover athlete was Jayson Tatum, who also gained recognition after leading the Boston Celtics to their championship victory.

In a recent statement, 2K Games emphasized, “2K is the undisputed home of basketball gaming. We are exploring new and exciting ways to engage with college athletes and programs, hinting at a potential revival of our college basketball gaming series. Class is in session.”