It's official, NBA 2K fans, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the NBA 2K26 cover star, as revealed by notorious NBA insider Shams Charania!
The Shams bombs are usually reserved for big NBA trades or free-agency signings, but this time, it was used to announce the cover star of the biggest basketball game in the market.
A little after Shams X's post announcing Shai as the face of NBA 2K26, 2K made it official and revealed the cover image of NBA 2K26.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the NBA 2K26 Cover Star
It doesn't come as a huge surprise to see the reigning NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA Champion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, be selected as the NBA 2K26 cover star.
Shai had a historic season, even though many people still aren't ready to admit that, and was viewed by many as the favorite to become the face of NBA 2K26. The Joker and Anthony Edwards were his only real competitors.
The Thunder superstar cemented himself as one of the faces of the league, and being the cover star of the next entry in the NBA 2K franchise further proves that. He had the best season in the NBA, with only The Joker being able to rival him.
While The Joker would also be a fantastic choice, and a long-awaited one by many fans, it seems 2K isn't in a hurry to give the Serbian maestro his well-deserved NBA 2K cover spot.
For Nuggets fans, there is always next year, and The Joker will eventually be the face of a title in the NBA 2K franchise. At least, I certainly hope so, as it would be a huge miss if 2K doesn't capitalize on the Jokic popularity.
The cover stars of the other three NBA 2K26 Editions are still unknown, but more information about them is expected to be revealed soon. However, I don't think Shams Charania will be the one revealing it.
So, stay tuned to RealSport101.com: The Home of Sports Gaming News, Guides, Leaks, and Reviews!