NBA 2K26 Fans Are Outraged That Caitlin Clark Isn’t the WNBA Cover Athlete

The highly anticipated NBA 2K26 has been unveiled, however, rising WNBA star Caitlin Clark has not been chosen as the cover athlete for the game’s WNBA version. Throughout the years, basketball has produced countless legends such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who have significantly impacted our culture through their play on the court and brand endorsements like shoes. Incorporating prominent athletes on the covers of sports games is a common practice, often following a standout season or prolonged success. Being selected for the cover of a sports game can be seen as a significant honor and holds great meaning to fans. Unfortunately, Caitlin Clark has not been granted this opportunity yet.

This week saw the official unveiling of NBA 2K26. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander graces the standard cover of NBA 2K26, while Carmelo Anthony is featured on the “Superstar Edition”. For the exclusive WNBA edition available at GameStop, 2K chose Chicago Sky player Angel Reese as the cover star. Reese is also highlighted along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Carmelo Anthony on the cover of the $150 “Leave No Doubt” edition of NBA 2K26. The announcement was made a day after an incident where Reese angrily knocked a coach’s clipboard, causing some friction between the player and basketball enthusiasts.

NBA 2K26 Fans Are Furious That Angel Reese Is the Cover Star Instead of Caitlin Clark

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say, Caitlin Clark and I go way back – we were fierce rivals on the college basketball court with Indiana Pacers. She’s risen to become one of the league’s most beloved players, driving interest in the WNBA and boosting ticket sales. However, it’s a bummer that she isn’t gracing the cover of NBA 2K26, a decision that’s left many fans, including me, scratching our heads. We think Caitlin deserves that spot!

Since the 24th of June, Clark has been sidelined due to an injury and has had to sit out several games. However, there’s optimism that she will return to play today, on the 9th of July. Some have suggested her injury may have influenced the decision not to select her, but it’s important to note that such choices aren’t typically made in a short span of time like a few weeks. Here are some fan responses you might find interesting.

Here are the latest covers for NBA 2K (WNBA Edition) video games… I can’t wrap my head around why they didn’t choose to feature Caitlin Clark, arguably the most influential, extraordinary, and widely admired female basketball player in history, on the cover. It seems like a questionable marketing decision.

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) July 9, 2025

You’re laughing, Caitlin Clark gets cheated out of a 2K cover and you’re laughing

— Big 38 Hawk Em (@PurpleJack21) July 9, 2025

2K would’ve sold way more copies putting Caitlin Clark on the cover

— TDB 2K (@2kTdb) July 9, 2025

2K allergic to making money if only they put Caitlin Clark on the cover

— Justin Trumbull (@JustinT_09) July 9, 2025

In a less than pleasant manner, it seems the NBA 2K game has some issues. Angel Reese shouldn’t be ranked higher than Caitlin Clark, and it appears the creators of the game need to make improvements, as this situation is becoming rather absurd.

— Javi (@Extrxctiion) July 9, 2025

It’s possible this could be among the least impressive covers for a 2k game. To start, it seems unusual that Angel Reese is receiving cover recognition ahead of Caitlin Clark. Secondly, one might question Melo’s achievements in his NBA career beyond scoring and rebounding, as he never won any championships. Yes, he was named to several All-NBA teams…

— (@GuthBus34) July 9, 2025

Angel Reese over Caitlin Clark is just another example of how 2K has fallen

— SUAREZ (@suayrez) July 9, 2025

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I can get my hands on the standard version of NBA 2K26 for both current and previous gen systems starting September 5th. However, if I want early access, I should definitely consider the Leave No Doubt edition, which drops on August 29th!

Read More

2025-07-09 21:42