Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the NBA 2K26 Cover Athlete
Coming off a dominant playoff run and earning Finals MVP honors, SGA has officially been named the cover athlete for NBA 2K26. SGA represents the new face of the league, and now he's the face of 2K26.
NBA 2K26 Release Date: September 5, 2025
Multiple retailer leaks and social media teases suggest a September 5th, 2025 release date for NBA 2K26. This aligns with previous 2K release cycles and places the game's launch right at the start of fall.
This window typically brings a surge of excitement as players jump into MyTEAM, MyCAREER, and The Rec, testing new mechanics and grinding from day one.
Who Will Be on the NBA 2K26 Legend Cover?
With SGA confirmed for the standard edition, fans are eagerly speculating about the Legend Edition cover athlete. Here are the top community picks:
· Stephen Curry – While he appeared on the shared 2K13 cover alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, he's never had a solo feature. Many believe he's long overdue.
· Kobe Bryant – Fans continue to demand the return of Kobe to MyTEAM and want to see him honored again after previous licensing absences.
· Caitlin Clark – As 2K integrates more WNBA content annually, Clark is a leading candidate to represent the women's side of the game on a WNBA or special edition cover.
If 2K sticks to past trends, we'll likely see a Legend Edition trailer and official announcement sometime in August.
Locker Codes: Will We Get a Free GOAT SGA?
One of the biggest talking points ahead of NBA 2K26 is the potential for a free GOAT Shai Gilgeous-Alexander card as a launch locker code. Historically, 2K has provided free Invincible or high-tier cards linked to the year's cover athlete. Previous examples include Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, and Vince Carter, all receiving free versions of their elite cards.
If 2K follows tradition, expect:
·GOAT or Invincible-level SGA
· A WNBA player card, now a standard inclusion in locker code bundles
· Free promo packs featuring Rubies or Amethysts
· Diamond shoes
· Token and MT rewards
These locker codes can give players a huge head start in MyTEAM—especially during launch week—so make sure to redeem them quickly when announced.
Auction House and MyTEAM: What Needs to Improve
If there's one feature that nearly every longtime MyTEAM player agrees needs work, it's the auction house. Community Wishlist for Auction House & MyTEAM:
· Improved search and filtering options
· Bot detection and removal
· Live market price graphs and trends
· Mass quick-sell and duplicate management tools
Additionally, players want more offline grind content—like Spotlight Challenges—and a consistent focus on rebuilding community engagement. Bringing back meaningful rewards, frequent events, and limited-time modes could breathe life back into the mode.
Final Thoughts: Can NBA 2K26 Live Up to the Hype?
NBA 2K26 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal entries in the series in years. From the SGA cover reveal and a likely September 5 release, to locker codes, legend cover speculation, and platform transitions, the game is poised for both excitement and controversy. But for the community, excitement alone isn't enough. 2K needs to deliver.