NBA 2K27 Keyart
NBA 2K27 Cover Stars
The countdown to NBA 2K27 is officially underway, with 2K pulling back the curtain on this year’s cover stars ahead of the game’s September launch. And rather than spotlighting just one basketball icon, 2K has opted to celebrate three players whose impact on the sport spans multiple generations, with Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose each fronting a different edition of the game.
Alongside the cover reveal comes confirmation of release dates, pricing, Early Access details and the first gameplay trailer, giving basketball fans plenty to look forward to on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
At A Glance
Game: NBA 2K27
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date: September 4th, 2026
Early Access: August 28th (Deluxe & Ultra Editions)
Standard Edition Cover: Victor Wembanyama
Deluxe Edition Cover: Caitlin Clark
Ultra Edition Cover: Derrick Rose
Three Covers, Three Basketball Icons
NBA 2K has often reserved its cover for the biggest names in basketball, but NBA 2K27 takes a broader approach by recognising three players who have each left their mark on the game in very different ways.
Victor Wembanyama leads the Standard Edition after another remarkable rise through the NBA ranks. The San Antonio Spurs centre has already become a two-time NBA All-Star and made history as the league’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, while also becoming the first Spurs player to grace an NBA 2K cover.
The Deluxe Edition belongs to Caitlin Clark, whose influence on women’s basketball continues to grow. Already a WNBA Rookie of the Year and multiple-time All-Star, she also becomes the first WNBA player to receive her own global premium NBA 2K cover, marking another significant milestone for the series.
Meanwhile, Derrick Rose returns to NBA 2K cover duties with the limited-time Ultra Edition. The former league MVP previously appeared on NBA 2K13, and his special edition celebrates a career defined as much by resilience as extraordinary talent.
Quotes
“Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose each come from different worlds, but they share the same obsession that has altered the trajectory of the game,” said Zak Armitage, SVP & GM of NBA 2K. “Wembanyama has broken the mold for what a big man can be and keeps breaking it. Clark is pulling up from the logo, not just redefining what range looks like, but the women’s game entirely. And Rose changed what it meant to be a point guard – explosive, physical, unstoppable – and when faced with setbacks, his hunger for the game is what brought him back. None of them have an off switch, and that same relentless drive is what defines NBA 2K27.”
“When you’re truly obsessed with basketball, the game doesn’t stop when you leave the arena. NBA 2K is the court that never locks up, it’s always open whether you’re in Paris or San Antonio. It’s how you study the game, sharpen your IQ, and live basketball 24/7,” said Standard Edition cover athlete Victor Wembanyama. “To be the face of a game that fuels that hunger for hoops and whose covers immortalize the all-time greats, that’s a dream come true for me.”
“Being on the cover of NBA 2K27 is special because this game reaches fans all over the world,” said Deluxe Edition cover athlete Caitlin Clark. “To be the first WNBA player on her own global cover means women’s basketball gets to show up on that stage too, and I am proud to be part of that.”
“It’s crazy looking back at being on the NBA 2K13 cover to now having my own edition for NBA 2K27,” said Ultra Edition cover athlete Derrick Rose*. “During my journey there have been coaches who believed in me, teammates who made me better, and fans who showed up louder than I ever expected. So, this is a chance to inspire young athletes to stay obsessed with the game. To show them that when you put in the countless hours of hard work, it rewards you.”*
Gameplay Reveal Is Just Around The Corner
While the cover athletes are now confirmed, players won’t have to wait long to see NBA 2K27 in action.
2K has announced that the game’s first official gameplay trailer premieres on July 28th, where fans can expect a closer look at this year’s on-court improvements, visual enhancements and gameplay innovations.
As always, the biggest questions surround how Visual Concepts plans to refine movement, shooting, defence and the ever-popular MyCAREER and MyTEAM experiences ahead of launch.
Editions And Early Access Confirmed
NBA 2K27 launches worldwide on September 4th, with three editions available.
The Standard Edition (£59.99) includes the base game and Victor Wembanyama as its cover athlete across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
Players wanting to hit the hardwood early can opt for the Deluxe Edition (£89.99) or Ultra Edition (£129.99), both of which unlock Early Access beginning August 28th.
The Deluxe Edition includes 100,000 VC alongside bonus MyCAREER and MyTEAM content, while the Ultra Edition adds further virtual currency, Season Pass content and exclusive rewards.
Pre-orders are now live across the usual digital storefronts.
Another Big Season Awaits Basketball Fans
NBA 2K continues to sit comfortably at the top of the virtual basketball world, and expectations for NBA 2K27 will be every bit as high as previous entries.
Last year’s game certainly impressed us. We awarded NBA 2K26 a 4.5/5 review score, concluding: “*It’s always good to take to the court again, and that’s true once more with NBA 2K26. I very much enjoy the shooting aspects, and the fun that brings, but on the whole, the game feels engaging and dynamic… overall, NBA 2K26 is a game that shines. It is an excellent new addition to the franchise.*“
With three standout athletes leading the charge, gameplay details arriving soon, and launch now firmly on the horizon, NBA 2K27 is beginning to build plenty of momentum before tip-off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryPx3RZJVQM
Neil Watton
Neil Wattonhttps://www.thexboxhub.com/
An Xbox gamer since 2002, I bought the big black box just to play Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee. I have since loved every second of the 360's life and am now just as obsessed with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S - mostly with the brilliant indie scene that has come to the fore. Gamertag is neil363, feel free to add me to your list.