Angel Reese Lands WNBA 2K26 Cover Over Caitlin Clark—Fans Furious Over ‘Snub’ Amid Rivalry

In a stunning move that has ignited heated debates across social media, Chicago Sky power forward Angel Reese has been announced as the cover star for the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26. Reese’s appearance alongside Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has caught the attention of the sports world—but not without controversy.

Fans of the WNBA and basketball enthusiasts alike were left stunned when the news broke, especially as it was revealed that Reese had snagged the highly coveted spot over the widely favored Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star and face of the WNBA. The unexpected announcement has left many questioning how the decision was made, especially given Clark’s overwhelming popularity and incredible career achievements.

Angel Reese’s Unbelievable Reaction to the News

On Tuesday morning, the video game giant NBA 2K revealed the full lineup of cover athletes for NBA 2K26. While Gilgeous-Alexander’s inclusion was expected, Reese’s announcement as the face of the WNBA edition came as a complete surprise. The 23-year-old, who has been a key figure in the WNBA’s rise, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her reaction to the big news.

“Good morning,” Reese tweeted before following up with another post that read: “It’s ok guys… GOD IS REAL,” accompanied by a praying emoji. These posts were followed by a humorous comment, “Of course we do everything BIG. Why not debut my signature shoe on the cover of NBA 2K?!?!”

While Reese’s excitement was palpable, the announcement also sparked a wave of backlash. Fans flooded social media with their thoughts on Reese being chosen over Clark. “Caitlin Clark not being the cover girl of NBA 2K26 is crazy,” one fan tweeted, while another remarked, “Clark got snubbed,” pointing out the seemingly odd decision to go with Reese, given Clark’s massive success both on and off the court.

The Rivalry That Set the Stage

The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has been one of the most talked-about in women’s basketball in recent years. The two stars became national headlines during the 2023 NCAA championship game, where LSU’s Reese taunted Clark after a tense and highly charged game, ultimately helping her team secure the victory.

The tension between the two players was palpable, and their rivalry continued to intensify throughout the season. As the face of the WNBA, Clark’s snub from the 2K cover has raised questions about the timing of Reese’s selection. Clark, who has been a dominant force in women’s basketball, has won countless awards and accolades. She even graced the cover of Vogue magazine earlier this year, proving that her popularity transcends the sports world.

Yet, despite Clark’s popularity, Reese has found a way to capture the spotlight in her own right. After her incredible performance on the court, including a WNBA record of six consecutive games with 15 or more rebounds, it’s clear that Reese is an undeniable talent. The decision to place her on the cover, however, seems to reflect something deeper than just basketball statistics.

Why Did 2K Choose Reese Over Clark?

It’s impossible to ignore the fact that Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have a longstanding and well-documented rivalry. As much as their on-court rivalry has fueled the sport’s popularity, could it have played a role in the decision by NBA 2K to choose Reese over Clark?

Reese has certainly earned her place in the spotlight. With her remarkable achievements on the court and her undeniable presence in the media, she has become one of the most marketable and recognized names in the WNBA. Her appearance on the cover is a testament to the significant role she’s played in shaping the future of women’s basketball.

But despite her talent, the decision to choose Reese over Clark—who is arguably the most well-known figure in women’s basketball right now—has raised eyebrows. Many argue that Clark’s consistency and her ability to captivate fans with her style of play should have earned her the cover. Given her unmatched performance on the court and the millions of fans who support her, Clark seemed like the obvious choice.

The Fan Outrage: What Does This Mean for Women’s Basketball?

Fans who supported Clark were vocal in their disapproval, calling the choice to feature Reese as a “snub” of Clark’s impressive career. Social media was flooded with outrage, with fans questioning the reasoning behind the decision. Many were particularly upset by the fact that Clark’s dominance in college basketball and her massive following weren’t enough to earn her a spot on the cover.

“Caitlin Clark is the face of the WNBA and deserved to be on the cover,” one fan commented. “She’s changed the game, and yet NBA 2K chose someone else. It’s frustrating.”

While the controversy surrounding this decision is certainly one for the history books, it also raises important questions about the future of women’s basketball and its visibility in the sports world. The WNBA is in the midst of a growing wave of popularity, and figures like Clark and Reese are leading the charge. However, the selection process for these kinds of honors—like the cover of a major video game—remains shrouded in mystery, leaving fans and experts to wonder how decisions like this one are made.

The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for the WNBA?

Despite the controversy, one thing is clear—women’s basketball is becoming more and more mainstream. Whether fans agree with the decision or not, the fact that the cover of NBA 2K26 is a battleground between two of the most dominant players in the game speaks to the growing influence and relevance of the WNBA.

The WNBA’s future is bright, and whether or not Reese or Clark was the right choice for the cover, both athletes are making waves in a league that continues to expand in influence, visibility, and viewership. The rivalry between these two stars will undoubtedly continue to fuel conversations and inspire future generations of athletes.

As the dust settles on the NBA 2K26 cover controversy, it remains to be seen how the decision will impact the careers of both Reese and Clark. Will it further elevate Reese’s already impressive career, or will Clark’s fanbase rally behind her in an even bigger way? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting future for women’s basketball.

What do you think of NBA 2K’s decision to feature Angel Reese on the cover over Caitlin Clark? Do you agree with the choice or believe Clark should’ve had the honor? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!