Angel Reese Makes History as NBA 2K26 Cover Star

Angel Reese is no stranger to the spotlight but now she’s owning it in a whole new way. The former LSU star and current WNBA sensation has been officially named a cover athlete for NBA 2K26, solidifying her status not just as a basketball force but as a cultural icon.

With this announcement, Reese becomes the first former LSU women’s basketball player  and one of the few women ever  to appear on the cover of the NBA 2K series, a title typically reserved for the game’s biggest global superstars. Her inclusion isn’t just a nod to her athletic dominance it’s a recognition of her influence far beyond the hardwood.
From Baton Rouge Royalty to WNBA Brilliance

Angel Reese captivated the nation during her time at LSU, helping the Tigers capture the 2023 NCAA Championship and setting records with her double-double dominance. Her swagger, her unapologetic confidence, and her unique flair earned her the nickname “Bayou Barbie”  but what she represented went far beyond fashion or flash.

She became a face of the modern college athlete: bold, authentic, and unafraid to speak her truth. NIL success followed. Endorsements followed. Championships followed. And now, with her ascent in the WNBA, the legend of Angel Reese only continues to grow.
A Powerful Statement from 2K

NBA 2K’s decision to feature Reese is more than a marketing move  it’s a message.

It signals that the women’s game is no longer an afterthought in the gaming world. It recognizes the explosion of support for the WNBA, and it puts a bold, Black, Southern woman at the center of a billion-dollar franchise. For young girls  especially young Black girls who pick up a controller, seeing Angel Reese on the cover says: You belong here, too.

Reese’s journey also shows how deeply NIL and social media are reshaping what it means to be a sports superstar. She’s earned millions, built a personal brand, and turned her authenticity into influence. The 2K cover is simply the next level.
LSU’s Lasting Legacy

For LSU fans, this is a proud moment that stretches back to the unforgettable title run of 2023. It validates the program’s impact, from Kim Mulkey’s championship leadership to the dynamic trio of Reese, Flau’Jae Johnson, and others who redefined what LSU women’s basketball could be.

Angel Reese’s journey began in Baton Rouge, but her impact now spans the globe. Every time someone boots up NBA 2K26 and sees her on the cover, it’s a reminder that LSU helped launch a legend and that legend is still rising.

Final Thought:
Angel Reese’s 2K26 cover isn’t just about basketball. It’s about visibility. It’s about power. And it’s about time.

The Bayou Barbie has gone digital and the game will never be the same.