Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose will grace the covers of NBA 2K27, with each athlete featuring on a distinct edition of the game set for release on September 4, 2026.
The latest iteration of the NBA video game franchise, NBA 2K27, has officially revealed its cover athletes, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s digital representation. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose will each appear on a different edition of the game, with their likenesses set to debut on September 4, 2026. This announcement, made on July 22, 2026, underscores the game’s continued focus on both rising stars and iconic figures in basketball.
The Athletes and Their Editions
Victor Wembanyama, the 22-year-old San Antonio Spurs center, will headline the Standard Edition of NBA 2K27. Wembanyama, who led the Spurs to the 2026 NBA Finals, is the first center to be on the cover of a 2K basketball game since Shaquille O’Neal was on the cover of the Legend Edition of 2K18. His inclusion reflects his rise in the league, including a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award and a Western Conference Finals MVP title. When you’re truly obsessed with basketball, the game doesn’t stop when you leave the arena,
Wembanyama said. 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.
Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever guard and 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, will feature on the Deluxe Edition. To be the first WNBA player on her own global cover means women’s basketball gets to show up on that stage too,
Clark said. Her career has been defined by performances, including a 45-point, 10-assist game that made her the first player with 40 or more points and 10 or more assists in a game in WNBA history.
Derrick Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP, will appear on the Ultra Edition. This is Rose’s second cover appearance, following his 2013 collaboration with Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin. It’s crazy looking back at being on the NBA 2K13 cover to now having my own edition for NBA 2K27,
Rose reflected.
Pricing and Pre-Order Details
NBA 2K27 will be available in three editions, with prices ranging from $69.99 for the Standard Edition to $149.99 for the Ultra Edition. The Standard Edition, featuring Wembanyama, launches on September 4, 2026, and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The Deluxe Edition, headlined by Clark, includes additional in-game content and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Pre-orders for the game are now open, with early access beginning on August 28, 2026, for the Deluxe and Ultra editions.
Why This Matters
The selection of Wembanyama, Clark, and Rose reflects NBA 2K’s strategy to balance current stars with legends. Wembanyama’s inclusion signals the game’s recognition of his dominance, while Clark’s cover highlights the growing influence of women’s basketball. Rose’s return to the cover serves as a nod to his legacy. This is a chance to inspire young athletes to stay obsessed with the game,
Rose said, emphasizing the game’s role in shaping future generations. As NBA 2K27 nears its release, the focus remains on how these athletes will translate their real-world impact into the virtual court.
Worth a look
