It hasn't taken Victor Wembanyama long to solidify himself as one of the faces of basketball, from his gaudy stat lines to the fact that he led the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals at just 22 years old. On Wednesday, Wembanyama became etched into hoops lore forever as he was officially unveiled as the NBA 2K27 Standard Edition cover athlete.
Wembanyama becomes the first Spur to ever grace the cover of the sport’s most prestigious video game, although Tim Duncan (‘00) and Tony Parker (‘09) each appeared on the cover of the now-defunct NBA Live franchise in the past.
Wemby is the third 22-year-old in league history to appear on the Standard Edition cover of NBA 2K, joining Chris Paul (2K8) and Anthony Davis (2K16). Zion Williamson still remains the youngest Standard Edition cover athlete in league history, making his appearance on NBA 2K19 at just 20 years of age.
The Alien
As one of the most dominant players we’ve ever seen on both ends of the floor, Wembanyama is a fitting cover athlete because it honestly feels like you’re watching a created player in a video game to begin with. As someone relentlessly dedicated to his craft, Wembanyama is also the perfect ambassador for a game synonymous with keeping gamers on the sticks all night long.
"When you're truly obsessed with basketball, the game doesn't stop when you leave the arena,” Wembanyama said. “NBA 2K is the court that never locks up, it's always open whether you're in Paris or San Antonio. It's how you study the game, sharpen your IQ, and live basketball 24/7. 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.”
Entering his fourth NBA season, Wembanyama is already operating on a level that only a select few players have ever reached. He became the first player in league history to earn unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season, and he even eliminated NBA 2K26 cover athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
More Details
Wembanyama joins Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose as cover athletes for NBA 2K27. Clark appears on the Deluxe Edition cover, while Derrick Rose appears on the limited Ultra edition. The Standard Edition is set to release on September 4, but those who purchase the Deluxe or Ultra editions will receive access to the game a week early on August 28.
“Wembanyama has broken the mold for what a big man can be and keeps breaking it,” NBA 2K SVP Zak Armitage said. “Clark is pulling up from the logo, not just redefining what range looks like, but the women's game entirely. And Rose changed what it meant to be a point guard - explosive, physical, unstoppable - and when faced with setbacks, his hunger for the game is what brought him back. None of them have an off switch, and that same relentless drive is what defines NBA 2K27.”
Fans can expect to receive a first look at gameplay for NBA 2K27 on July 28, when the official trailer is set to be released. The official 2K Beats soundtrack is scheduled to be unveiled on August 10, and there will also be an apparel brand spotlight on August 13. It’s that time of year where the reality of a new NBA 2K starts to feel more real every day, so keep tapping in to find out the latest.
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