Less than two years into her WNBA career, there’s no questioning that Angel Reese is already one of the league’s most famous players.
And Reese’s stardom manifested itself in the form of two major announcements on Wednesday: the reveal of her first signature shoe and the news that she’ll be on the cover of a video game.
While Oklahoma City Thunder star and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the primary cover athlete for the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game, buyers will have options. That includes a WNBA edition featuring Reese, who was recently named to her second consecutive WNBA All-Star Game.
WNBA players have been featured on versions of the NBA 2K franchise’s covers dating back to NBA 2K22. Past WNBA stars to be featured as cover athletes include Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson.
If the silver shoes on Reese’s cover caught your eye, that isn’t by coincidence. Prior to her reveal as a video game cover athlete, Reebok released its first look at the former LSU star’s signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1.
“Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone—it’s a statement,” Reese said in a release. “It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically. To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey, but also all the veteran WNBA players who have paved the way before me and the growing impact of the league as a whole. I’m proud to be part of a game that continues to elevate women’s basketball and can’t wait for fans to see how NBA 2K26 brings our game to life like never before.”
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander and Reese’s covers, there is also an NBA 2K26 legends cover featuring Hall of Fame forward (and new NBC star) Carmelo Anthony. NBA 2k26 will officially release on Sept. 5, with early access beginning on Aug. 29.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.