“We Left No Doubt”: Why 2K Chose SGA, Angel Reese & Carmelo for NBA 2K26 Covers 2K’s Ronnie Singh officially explains the decision: celebrating elite performance, cultural significance, and legacy with three diverse cover athletes

NBA 2K26 features three distinct cover athletes across its editions:

• Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (Standard Edition)
• Angel Reese (WNBA Edition)
• Carmelo Anthony (Superstar Edition)

All three are unified on the special Leave No Doubt Edition. 2K’s VP Ronnie Singh (“Ronnie 2K”) explained the vision on The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal—emphasizing that these picks were made with intent and clarity. “[We] left no doubt on those three cover stars,” Singh affirmed.

🎯 Why These Three Were Chosen

• Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander – NBA MVP and Finals MVP from the reigning champion Thunder, representing today’s elite player status.
• Angel Reese – A breakout WNBA star who recently launched her signature Angel Reese 1 shoe with Reebok, and now becomes the latest face of NBA 2K’s WNBA Edition, continuing representation for female athletes in gaming.
• Carmelo Anthony – A Hall of Fame legend with multiple decades of elite scoring and impact; chosen as the centerpiece of the Superstar Edition—honoring basketball’s enduring history.

🌍 Cultural Impact & Reaction

• Singh emphasized the importance of diversity in representation: youth and MVP power (SGA), WNBA visibility and women’s empowerment (Reese), and storied legacy (Melo).
• Reese’s cover sparked debate among fans, especially those advocating for Caitlin Clark. Despite the backlash, Angel responded confidently, stating, “Of course we do everything BIG … why not debut my signature shoe on the cover?”
• NBA veteran Gilbert Arenas defended Reese’s selection, praising her for bringing style, confidence, and star power—even calling her marketability “unrivaled.”

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✅ TL;DR

• NBA 2K26 features SGA, Angel Reese, and Carmelo Anthony as cover athletes across different editions.
• Ronnie Singh explains the trio were selected with purpose—representing MVP excellence, WNBA representation, and all-time NBA legacy.
• Reese’s cover and signature shoe debut became a high-profile statement moment for women’s basketball.
• Reaction was mixed—but Singh's position is clear: there’s absolutely "no doubt" these stars define basketball culture today.