October 28, 2025
Angel Reese Shines on NBA 2K26 SLAM Edition Cover, Outshining Caitlin Clark and Critics Alike The WNBA star’s breakout year continues as she joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Carmelo Anthony on the NBA 2K26 SLAM Edition cover — marking another major moment for women’s basketball
Angel Reese has officially taken another step into basketball stardom, appearing on the NBA 2K26 SLAM Edition cover beside Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony.
The collaboration between SLAM Magazine and NBA 2K represents more than just a marketing crossover — it’s a cultural milestone. Reese’s inclusion symbolizes the growing influence of women’s basketball in mainstream sports media and gaming culture.
🌟 A Breakout Year for Angel Reese
Reese’s rise in 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Off the court, she became the first professional athlete to walk the runway for Victoria’s Secret, later signing a long-term partnership with the global brand. Her charisma and presence have made her one of the most marketable young athletes in the world.
Despite the increased scrutiny that comes with fame, Reese has remained composed. While some critics questioned her place on a cover traditionally dominated by NBA players, her play and poise have silenced much of the noise.
As she said in a recent interview: “I’m just focused on being the best version of myself — on and off the court.”
📈 Dominating the WNBA Stat Sheets
Even with the Chicago Sky enduring a tough rebuilding season — finishing 10–34, their worst record since the team’s debut — Reese’s individual performance was historic.
- Averaged: 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game
- Led the league in rebounding for the second straight season
- Recorded 23 double-doubles, tying her with several league elites
- Became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 650 points and 650 rebounds
Her consistency and dominance in the paint earned her a second All-Star selection and cemented her role as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
With rebounding instincts reminiscent of the greats, Reese has quickly evolved into the cornerstone of Chicago’s future.
💥 The Significance of the SLAM x NBA 2K26 Cover
The SLAM x NBA 2K26 cover isn’t just a personal win for Reese — it’s a statement about where women’s basketball stands today.
Her appearance alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his fashion-forward persona, and Carmelo Anthony, a global ambassador for the game, highlights the growing parity of visibility between men’s and women’s hoops.
This cover reflects a new era in sports gaming, where representation and cultural relevance matter as much as championships and stats.
💬 Mixed Reactions, Unshaken Confidence
As with any major moment, fan reactions have been mixed. Some hailed the decision as a powerful symbol of progress and inclusion, while others questioned her spot next to two NBA icons.
But Reese has handled it like everything else in her career — with grace and determination. The online chatter hasn’t slowed her momentum; if anything, it’s fueled it.
Her presence on the NBA 2K26 SLAM Edition cover serves as a reminder: Angel Reese isn’t just breaking into the conversation — she’s redefining it.
🏁 Final Thoughts
From dominating the boards in the WNBA to walking international fashion runways and now headlining a major NBA 2K26 cover, Angel Reese continues to prove that her impact reaches far beyond the hardwood.
Her inclusion on the SLAM Edition alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony marks another defining chapter — not just for Reese, but for the ongoing rise of women’s basketball in the global spotlight.