Angel Reese Graces the NBA 2K26 WNBA Cover — But Fans Are Divided Over Her Appearance

On July 9th, the NBA 2K franchise made headlines by revealing that Angel Reese, the rising star of the Chicago Sky, would be the face of the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition. The announcement marked a significant milestone in Reese’s already dazzling career — and in the continued mainstream recognition of women’s basketball.

However, what should have been a moment of celebration quickly spiraled into controversy as fans flooded social media with mixed reactions. While some praised the choice, others fixated on one thing: her face on the cover.

A Historic Moment: Angel Reese on the Cover of NBA 2K26

The official reveal happened on July 9, when NBA 2K announced that Angel Reese would be the cover athlete for the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26, set to launch on September 5, 2025.

The image features Reese in mid-action, driving aggressively toward the basket in her Chicago Sky uniform. According to NBA 2K, the photo was taken from a real-life game and digitally enhanced to give it a stylized, dynamic look for the cover.

Being on the cover of NBA 2K — one of the most influential sports video games globally — is a rare and prestigious honor, especially for women in sports. For Reese, it’s yet another sign that she’s not just a star on the court, but also a cultural icon on the rise.

Social Media Reacts: “What’s Wrong With Her Face?”

Unfortunately, the cover reveal didn’t go the way 2K likely imagined. Just hours after the release, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram lit up with viral posts about one thing: Reese’s face on the cover.

Some fans expressed shock, confusion, and even ridicule over what they saw as a poorly edited or overly altered image of Reese. The phrase “What’s wrong with her face?” began circulating rapidly.

“This doesn’t even look like Angel Reese. Who approved this cover?”

“Did they use some glitchy AI to design this? Because this ain’t it.”

The reaction became so intense that even live TV commentators referenced the backlash — and some were caught laughing on-air, sparking even more backlash from Reese’s supporters.

A Divided Internet: Support and Solidarity

Still, not everyone joined the hate train. A large number of fans and athletes came to Reese’s defense, calling out the double standards at play.

“Forget the face — look at her numbers. Reese is putting up one of the most dominant rookie seasons ever. She earned this.”

“We finally have more WNBA representation in gaming, and all people can talk about is her face? Come on.”

Many pointed out that male athletes rarely get this kind of backlash for cover designs, even when the art is clearly stylized or off-model. For some, the reaction felt rooted in sexism, racism, or both.

Dominating on the Court: Reese Lets Her Stats Speak

While people debated aesthetics online, Angel Reese kept doing what she does best — dominate on the court.

Over her last six games, Reese has averaged 17.8 points, 17.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. She has recorded seven consecutive double-doubles, with 13 total for the season — making her one of the most consistent and impactful players in the WNBA right now.

In her latest performance, Reese led the Chicago Sky to a crucial 87-76 victory over the Dallas Wings, scoring 15 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. The win moved Chicago up to 10th place in the standings, now holding a 6-13 record for the 2025 WNBA season.

After the game, Reese posted a simple, defiant message on X:

“DUBS IN THE CHATTTTT.”

No mention of the cover controversy. No need to address the noise. Just wins.

angel Reese: More Than Just a Basketball Star

Angel Reese is more than just a rising WNBA talent. She’s a cultural force, known for her passion, confidence, and unapologetic style — both on and off the court.

But those same qualities often make her a target. From game-day trash talk to press conference mic drops, Reese lives loudly. And in a world that still struggles with strong, outspoken women — especially Black women — that can be polarizing.

The backlash over her 2K cover isn’t the first time she’s faced this type of scrutiny, and it likely won’t be the last. Whether it’s her style, her facial expressions, or how she celebrates wins, Reese is constantly judged more harshly than her male counterparts.

Double Standards in Sports Representation

What makes this controversy more telling is how it exposes the double standards in how male and female athletes are represented — and perceived.

When a male athlete lands a 2K cover, the conversation is usually about their skills, legacy, or gameplay features. Rarely is it about how their face looks in the digital art.

But for Reese, the focus immediately shifted from her accomplishments to her appearance. It’s a phenomenon women in sports know all too well — no matter how dominant you are, your looks will always be part of the conversation.

Moving the Game Forward — Even Through Controversy

Despite the noise, Reese’s presence on the cover of NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition is a step forward for the league and for women’s sports as a whole.

Video games are part of pop culture, and representation on such a mainstream platform has the power to inspire the next generation of players and fans. Young girls opening a copy of 2K26 and seeing someone who looks like them on the cover — that’s not just marketing. That’s impact.

And Angel Reese, with all her flair, fire, and fearlessness, is exactly the kind of athlete who should be leading that movement.

Final Thoughts: A Moment Bigger Than A Cover

Whether you love it or hate it, the NBA 2K26 WNBA cover reveal featuring Angel Reese has undeniably started a larger conversation — about how we treat women athletes, who gets to be celebrated, and what kind of scrutiny we normalize.

Reese didn’t ask for perfection. She asked for recognition. And despite the critics, she got it.

She’s not backing down. She’s still collecting double-doubles. Still leading her team. Still dominating headlines. And she’s doing it all while being 100% herself.

In the end, that’s the real win