Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been selected as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, capping one of the most decorated seasons in league history.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the announcement marks another milestone in a remarkable stretch for the 26-year-old guard.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s year included the NBA Most Valuable Player award, a scoring title, an NBA championship, and the 2025 Finals MVP trophy. He also signed a record-setting four-year, $285 million extension with the Thunder and debuted his first signature shoe earlier this summer.
The Canadian standout becomes the latest player to appear on the popular video game’s cover, joining names like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. His selection reflects his dominant performances and rising global profile.
During the 2024–25 regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring while setting franchise and league milestones. He recorded four 50-point games, averaged over 30 points per game for the third consecutive year, and carried Oklahoma City to a 68–14 record, the best in team history.
He continued his dominance in the playoffs, guiding the Thunder to their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. In the NBA Finals, he scored 38 points in his debut game and broke multiple records for points in Finals appearances and 30-point playoff games.
Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Canadian player to win NBA Finals MVP and joined an exclusive group of players — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal — who have won MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in the same season.
