Why Angel Reese’s 2K26 Cover Is Shaking up the WNBA
When Angel Reese was announced as the WNBA cover athlete for NBA 2K26, the reaction was immediate, and not all positive. The moment wasn’t just about a digital image on a game case; it marked a major milestone in her fast-rising brand. On the same day, Reese debuted her first signature shoe with Reebok; the Angel Reese One in the “Diamond Dust” colorway. This makes her one of the few WNBA players to land both a sneaker launch and a video game cover this early in their career. While some fans celebrated her as a bold, unapologetic new face of the league, others questioned the decision, pointing to Caitlin Clark as the more “deserving” choice. The backlash reveals more than just fan frustration, but it opened a conversation about media narratives, marketing power, and what the WNBA is really trying to say by putting Angel Reese front and center.
Angel Reese’s NBA 2K26 cover sparked plenty of backlash, largely because many expected Caitlin Clark, the breakout WNBA star and media darling, to earn the spot instead. While Reese has proven herself on the court with historic double-doubles and consecutive All-Star nods, fans and some insiders saw the choice as more about branding and personality than pure basketball dominance. Though no players have publicly criticized the decision, it’s easy to imagine mixed feelings behind the scenes; annoyance, jealousy, or frustration, especially given Reese’s rapid rise. Reese embraced the moment in a press release, saying, “Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover... is more than a milestone — it’s a statement. It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.” Reese’s bold, confident persona also divides opinion, challenging traditional ideas of what the WNBA’s face should look like. Ultimately, the controversy goes beyond a game cover; it’s a reflection of how the league is evolving and choosing who it wants to spotlight.
Angel Reese’s 2K26 cover isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a symbol of a shifting WNBA landscape. As the league continues to grow and redefine itself, moments like this highlight a move toward embracing diverse personalities and narratives beyond just stats and traditional star power. “She’s a star,” Sky coach Tyler Marsh said before the game against the Wings. “You don’t get that type of acknowledgement if you’re not.” Reese’s boldness, confidence, and unapologetic presence challenge the league’s old expectations and open the door for new kinds of role models. Whether fans cheer or criticize, her selection sends a powerful message about representation and the kind of inspiration the WNBA wants to offer young athletes. More than just a game cover or a sneaker launch, it’s about showing young girls they can be confident, take up space, and lead with their authentic selves.
