It’s not every day a WNBA player lands on the cover of one of the biggest basketball video games in the world—but Angel Reese just did exactly that.
The Chicago Sky forward has been announced as one of the NBA 2K26 cover stars, and while many are celebrating the milestone, others are already questioning the choice.
Reese Joins the Big Leagues with 2K26 Cover Appearance
Angel Reese appears alongside NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Carmelo Anthony on the upcoming cover of NBA 2K26.
And for Reese, this moment is more than just a personal win—it’s symbolic.
“Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone—it’s a statement,” she said in an interview with 2K.
“It’s about representation, showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.”
Reese acknowledged the honor as one that represents not just her story, but the legacy of WNBA veterans who paved the way for players like her—and the growing spotlight on the league itself.
Social Media Buzzes With Opinions and Comparisons
Despite the excitement, the internet had thoughts.
As soon as the announcement was made, social media lit up with fans asking one big question: Where’s Caitlin Clark?
Comments flooded in, many suggesting that the Indiana Fever’s breakout star was the more obvious choice for the cover.
One user bluntly wrote, “Should have been Caitlin Clark.”
Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “We all know it was supposed to be Clark.”
Others were harsher, accusing 2K of favoritism.
“Reese over Clark is just another example of how 2K has fallen,” one fan posted.
Another pointed out Reese’s stats, saying, “Napheesa Collier is having an MVP season, but sure, give it to someone who shoots under 42% and leads the league in turnovers.”
Reese’s Season Still Packs a Punch
But it’s not like Angel Reese hasn’t earned recognition.
She’s currently averaging 13.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, and she made WNBA history recently by becoming the first player to grab 15+ rebounds in five consecutive games.
She was named to the All-Rookie First Team, earned a spot as a 2025 WNBA All-Star, and continues to shine defensively and on the boards.
The Rivalry Between Reese and Clark Is Still Going Strong
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about Angel Reese without bringing up Caitlin Clark, especially since their rivalry goes back to their intense NCAA battles.
Both were drafted into the WNBA last year and their competitive fire hasn’t faded a bit.
Clark may have taken home Rookie of the Year, and she’s been named one of the All-Star Game captains, while Reese will be playing on Napheesa Collier’s team.
But that hasn’t stopped fans from comparing them at every turn.
Flashpoint: The On-Court Clash That Got Everyone Talking
Back in May, the Clark-Reese rivalry got physical.
During a hard-fought matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, Clark delivered a hard foul that sent Reese to the floor with just under five minutes left in the third quarter.
Reese wasn’t having it. She jumped up and got in Clark’s face before things escalated further.
Aliyah Boston stepped in to separate them as tempers flared.
The referees reviewed the play and upgraded Clark’s foul to a flagrant, handing double technicals to Reese and Boston.
That wasn’t just a scuffle—it was a defining moment in what’s quickly becoming one of the WNBA’s most talked-about rivalries.
Reese Embraces the Spotlight While Controversy Swirls
Even with the critics weighing in, Angel Reese isn’t backing down.
Whether fans love her or question the spotlight she’s getting, she’s clearly a central figure in the WNBA right now.
Between her dominance on the boards, her confident persona, and now a major video game cover, she’s making waves.
And with the WNBA growing bigger than ever, moments like this are helping to fuel the league’s rising visibility—even if it comes with a bit of drama.