​NBA 2K27 cover athletes: Why Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark were chosen for 2026 video game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Victor Wembanyama and Caitlin Clark’s careers have already taken them to heights few have achieved at their tender age. On Wednesday, the Spurs superstar and Fever standout added another notch on their glint belts, becoming the leading faces of basketball’s biggest virtual simulation.Visual Concepts announced that Wembanyama and Clark were selected to grace the covers of NBA 2K27’s standard and deluxe editions, respectively. They’ll be joined by Derrick Rose, who will serve as the ultra edition’s cover athlete.Fresh off of his first NBA Finals appearance, Wembanyama is well on his way to world domination — at least as far as basketball is concerned. His ascendancy to the front of the sport’s standalone video game follows that trend.The same can be said for Clark, who has already staked a claim as one of the WNBA’s greatest-ever producers at the point guard position three years into her career.With that, here’s what you need to know about NBA 2K’s decision to name Wembanyama and Clark its cover athletes in 2026.MORE: Clues from LeBron James’ past ‘decision’ announcements and what they could mean for 2026Victor Wembanyama chosen as NBA 2K27 cover athleteWembanyama added to his glittering list of accolades by earning the NBA 2K27 cover nod, beating out multiple standout candidates, including Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham and Finals MVP Jalen Brunson to land the prize.It’s a richly-deserved honor for Wembanyama, who, at 22 years old, became the second-youngest athlete to grace NBA 2K’s cover behind Zion Williamson (NBA 2K21).We are not alone 👽Victor Wembanyama has landed as your NBA 2K27 Standard Edition Cover AthletePre-order NBA 2K27 now! ➡️ https://t.co/wflnyoAd5Rpic.twitter.com/Xww8BE9uLK— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 22, 2026Wembanyama averaged career highs in points (25.0) and rebounds (11.5) while leading the league in blocks per game (3.1) for the third year running. He was subsequently awarded Defensive Player of the Year honors, becoming the first player to earn the prize via unanimous selection.The Frenchman was similarly productive in postseason play, earning Western Conference Finals MVP honors as the Spurs returned to the Finals for the first time since 2014.Wembanyama wasn’t able to hoist the sport’s grandest trophy — San Antonio fell to the Knicks in the series. However, Wembanyama’s displays throughout the postseason cemented his status as one of the sport’s truest stars — and a potential heir to the title of the league’s best player.Visual Concepts appears to be banking on Wembanyama’s burgeoning marketability shining through. He was arguably the sport’s biggest star during the postseason, transfixing onlookers with his ball-handling, dexterity and willow-like frame.Wembanyama is undoubtedly one of the league’s b