When Angel Reese was announced as one of the stars gracing the cover of NBA 2K26, it was a big moment for the WNBA. However, the decision has stirred up some controversy, especially among fans who feel that Reese’s inclusion should not have come at the expense of Caitlin Clark, a fellow star player with a huge fan following.

Reese joins a select group of WNBA legends who have graced the NBA 2K cover, including names like Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and A’ja Wilson. This continued inclusion of WNBA players started with the NBA 2K22 edition, which commemorated the 25th anniversary of the WNBA. In the 2026 edition, Reese will share the honor with NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Carmelo Anthony, the former New York Knicks great.

But the excitement around Reese's cover was tempered by disappointment from some fans, who felt that Caitlin Clark, an Indiana Fever star, deserved the spot instead. Clark, after all, was the player who earned the most All-Star votes this season, a fact that certainly made her a strong contender for the prestigious cover honor. The choice to feature Reese instead sparked online debates, with many pointing out the iconic rivalry between Reese and Clark that emerged during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship.

Rivalry and Fans’ Discontent
For those unfamiliar with the backstory, Reese and Clark’s paths were forever intertwined when LSU defeated Iowa in the 2023 National Championship game. In the heat of the moment, Reese famously taunted Clark with the “you can’t see me” gesture, an act that would go on to become one of the most talked-about moments in women’s sports. Despite their rivalry, both players entered the WNBA in the same year, with Clark being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

However, Reese has remained a dominant force in the WNBA, averaging 13.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per game this season. She was also named to the All-Star Game last year and will be making an appearance there again this month.

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Why Reese Was Chosen for the Cover
In an interview with TMZ Sports, NBA 2K General Manager Zak Armitage explained why Reese was selected to be on the cover this year. Armitage said, "NBA 2K26 is celebrating the bold, the confident, and the visionaries, and Angel Reese embodies all of that on and off the court."

Reese, now in her sophomore year in the WNBA, has already made a significant impact, both on the court and in the media. Armitage went on to explain that Reese has helped grow the WNBA’s audience, created meaningful conversations, and inspired the next generation of basketball players. Her fearless persona and ability to make a statement have solidified her place among the league’s most influential players.

While it may be disappointing to some fans that Clark didn’t get the honor this year, Reese’s achievement highlights the importance of personality, confidence, and impact in today’s sports culture. As the WNBA continues to grow, players like Reese are becoming household names.

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