The 2025-26 NBA season may seem like it's a ways away, but it's fast approaching.
One of the annual traditions in the lead-up to the NBA season is 2K Day, the name given to the date that NBA 2K releases. This year, 2K Day falls on Friday, Sept. 5, with early access to the game beginning on Saturday, Aug. 30.
For the second consecutive year, a champion will grace the cover, as Oklahoma City MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander graces the front of the standard edition. He'll be joined by Chicago Sky All-Star Angel Reese and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony as the game's other cover athletes.
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After turning in a historic NBA campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander is sure to be one of the highest-rated players in this year's game. Who will join him? The Sporting News has you covered with ratings updates from the release of NBA 2K26.
MORE:Everything to know about release of NBA 2K26
NBA 2K26 ratings
After the success of ratings reveals for NBA 2K25, the game is again revealing the top 100 players ahead of the release of NBA 2K26.
The rollout began on Saturday, Aug. 16, and continued throughout the following week. Here is a look at the top players in this year's iteration of the annual NBA game.
Rank Player Team 2K26 rating
21 Jalen Williams Thunder 90
22 Jaylen Brown Celtics 90
23 Trae Young Hawks 90
24 Kyrie Irving Mavericks 90
25 Paolo Banchero Magic 89
26 Evan Mobley Cavaliers 89
27 Pascal Siakam Pacers 89
28 James Harden Clippers 89
29 Jaren Jackson Jr. Grizzlies 89
30 Bam Adebayo Heat 88
31 Chet Holmgren Thunder 88
32 Damian Lillard Trail Blazers 88
33 Domantas Sabonis Kings 87
34 Alperen Sengun Rockets 87
35 LaMelo Ball Hornets 87
36 Darius Garland Cavaliers 87
37 Zion Williamson Pelicans 87
38 Ivica Zubac Clippers 87
39 Derrick White Celtics 87
40 Jimmy Butler Warriors 87
41 Amen Thompson Rockets 87
42 Tyler Herro Heat 86
43 Tyrese Maxey 76ers 86
44 Jamal Murray Nuggets 86
45 Franz Wagner Magic 86
46 Julius Randle Timberwolves 86
47 Zach LaVine Kings 85
48 De'Aaron Fox Spurs 85
49 Austin Reaves Lakers 85
50 DeMar DeRozan Kings 85
51 Scottie Barnes Raptors 85
52 O.G. Anunoby Knicks 85
53 Kristaps Porzingis Hawks 85
54 Lauri Markkanen Jazz 84
55 Brandon Ingram Raptors 84
56 Mikal Bridges Knicks 84
57 Rudy Gobert Timberwolves 84
58 Norman Powell Heat 84
59 Jarrett Allen Cavaliers 84
60 Desmond Bane Magic 83
61 Jalen Green Suns 83
62 Myles Turner Bucks 83
63 Cameron Johnson Nuggets 83
64 Dyson Daniels Hawks 83
65 Coby White Bulls 83
66 Stephon Castle Spurs 83
67 Michael Porter Jr. Nets 83
68 R.J. Barrett Raptors 83
69 Josh Giddey Bulls 82
70 John Collins Clippers 82
71 Aaron Gordon Nuggets 82
72 Brandon Miller Hornets 82
73 Deni Avdija Trail Blazers 82
74 Naz Reid Timberwolves 82
75 Nikola Vucevic Bulls 82
76 Jalen Duren Pistons 82
77 Jalen Suggs Magic 82
78 Trey Mutphy III Pelicans 82
79 Cooper Flagg Mavericks 82
80 Isaiah Hartenstein Thunder 82
81 Jaden McDaniels Timberwolves 82
82 Toumani Camara Trail Blazers 82
83 Walker Kessler Jazz 82
84 Luguentz Dort Thunder 81
85 Herb Jones Pelicans 81
86 Jrue Holiday Trail Blazers 81
87 Dejounte Murray Pelicans 81
88 C.J. McCollum Wizards 81
89 Anfernee Simons Celtics 81
90 Draymond Green Warriors 81
91 Josh Hart Knicks 81
92 Paul George 76ers 81
93 Onyeka Okongwu Hawks 81
94 Immanuel Quickley Raptors 81
95 Andrew Nembhard Pacers 81
96 Jalen Johnson Hawks 81
97 Alex Sarr Wizards 81
98 Aaron Nesmith Pacers 81
99 Shaedon Sharpe Trail Blazers 81
100 Bobby Portis Bucks 81
MORE:Ranking the 15 best games on the 2025-26 NBA schedule
NBA 2K26 top WNBA players
On Aug. 15, NBA 2K revealed the top 10 WNBA players on NBA 2K26. The list is headlined by last year's Defensive Player of the Year, Napheesa Collier, while reigning MVP A'ja Wilson isn't too far behind.
Rank Player Team 2K26 rating
1 Napheesa Collier Lynx 98
2 A'ja Wilson Aces 97
3 Breanna Stewart Liberty 97
4 Caitlin Clark Fever 96
5 Alyssa Thomas Mercury 95
6 Sabrina Ionescu Liberty 93
7 Nneka Ogwumike Storm 92
8 Satou Sabally Mercury 92
9 Jonquel Jones Liberty 92
10 Angel Reese Sky 90