The WNBA has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and a big reason for that has been the rivalry between Chicago Sky star Angel Reese and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The rivalry started in college and hasn't gotten any less intense at the WNBA level.
Fans have chosen sides, and there are going to be a lot of them mad over who NBA 2K26 chose as the cover athlete for the "WNBA Edition" of the game. While Clark is largely credited as the athlete who is driving audiences to the WNBA, NBA 2K decided to go with Reese as the cover athlete.
She's got next
Angel Reese is your #NBA2K26 WNBA Edition Cover Athlete!
Pre-order NBA 2K26 now! pic.twitter.com/TdwIapG1xU
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 9, 2025
Out of the two, Reese is more polarizing than Clark, as her game hasn't transitioned to the WNBA level as seamlessly. However, it's commendable for NBA 2K26 not to go with the safe choice.
"NBA 2K26 is celebrating the bold, the confident and the visionaries -- and WNBA All-Star Angel Reese carries all that on and off the court," NBA 2K general manager Zak Armitage told TMZ Sports.
"In her sophomore year in the WNBA, Angel Reese has made waves, created impactful conversations, and inspired the next generation. She's a storyteller and has helped the WNBA grow its audience."
There's no denying that Reese is a massively popular athlete, despite the barrage of hate she receives from Clark fans. Clark is going to be playing for a long time, so there will be plenty of opportunities for her to don the cover of an NBA 2K game in the future.
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