Angel Reese Makes History: NBA 2K26 Cover and Signature Shoe Debut
In a groundbreaking moment that perfectly encapsulates the meteoric rise of women’s basketball and the evolving landscape of sports marketing, Chicago Sky superstar Angel Reese has achieved a historic double milestone by becoming the cover athlete for NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition while simultaneously debuting her first signature shoe with Reebok, marking an unprecedented convergence of athletic excellence, commercial appeal, and cultural significance.
The 23-year-old forward’s selection as the face of the highly anticipated video game represents far more than just another marketing campaign, as it symbolizes the growing recognition and commercial viability of women’s professional basketball players who are increasingly commanding the same level of respect, endorsement deals, and media attention that their male counterparts have enjoyed for decades.
Reese’s partnership with Reebok, which began in October 2023 during her senior season at Louisiana State University, has now reached its pinnacle with the debut of the “Angel Reese 1” signature shoe, a moment that carries profound implications for young athletes who dream of seeing their names on footwear that will inspire the next generation of basketball players.
“Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone — it’s a statement about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically,” Reese declared in an official press release that underscored her commitment to breaking barriers and challenging traditional expectations in professional sports.
The significance of this achievement becomes even more pronounced when considering the distinguished lineage of WNBA legends who have previously graced the covers of the NBA 2K series, including Candace Parker on the NBA 2K22 WNBA 25th Anniversary Edition, Phoenix Mercury icon Diana Taurasi and Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird on the NBA 2K23 WNBA Edition, New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu on NBA 2K24, and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson on NBA 2K25.
Reese’s journey from college basketball sensation to professional superstar reads like a carefully crafted narrative of determination, talent, and strategic career management, beginning with her pivotal role in leading LSU to a national championship in 2023 before being selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Her rookie season performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she dominated the rebounding category with 13.1 total rebounds and 5.1 offensive rebounds per game, setting a WNBA single-season rookie record with 446 total rebounds while also establishing a remarkable 15-game double-double streak that hadn’t been matched since Candace Parker’s 12 consecutive double-doubles spanning the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
Despite a wrist injury that prematurely ended her rookie campaign, Reese’s impact was undeniable, earning her a well-deserved spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team and establishing herself as one of the league’s most promising young stars with unlimited potential for continued growth and success.
This current season has seen Reese continue her impressive trajectory, averaging 12.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists through 17 games, statistics that demonstrate her evolution from a pure rebounder to a more well-rounded player who contributes meaningfully across multiple facets of the game.
The timing of Reese’s Reebok partnership proved particularly fortuitous, as it coincided with Hall of Fame legend Shaquille O’Neal’s appointment as president of Reebok Basketball, creating a unique connection between two LSU Tigers who have achieved extraordinary success both on and off the basketball court.
“To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey, but also all the veteran WNBA players who have paved the way before me and the growing impact of the league as a whole,” Reese emphasized, demonstrating her awareness of the broader context surrounding her individual achievements and her responsibility to honor those who came before her.
The convergence of Reese’s NBA 2K26 cover appearance and her signature shoe debut represents a pivotal moment in sports marketing history, where a young female athlete can command the same level of commercial attention and cultural influence that has traditionally been reserved for male superstars, signaling a fundamental shift in how the sports industry values and promotes women’s athletics.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of NBA 2K26 and the opportunity to experience Reese’s virtual representation of her dynamic playing style, her real-world impact continues to grow, inspiring countless young athletes who see in her success a blueprint for achieving their own dreams while maintaining authenticity and purpose.
The broader implications of this milestone extend far beyond individual achievement, as it represents the continuing evolution of women’s sports from niche entertainment to mainstream cultural phenomenon, with athletes like Reese leading the charge toward a future where gender equality in sports marketing and recognition becomes the norm rather than the exception.