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NBA 2K27 Features First Solo WNBA Cover, Sparks Skin Tone Controversy

7/23/2026

50 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Stars Cover NBA2K

Victor Wembanyama (first Spurs cover star), Caitlin Clark (first solo WNBA cover) and Derrick Rose (returning for his second NBA 2K cover) feature on the Standard, Deluxe and Ultra editions, launching September 4, 2026.
Editions cost $69.99, $99.99 and $149.99 and will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam) and Switch 2.
Deluxe and Ultra pre-orders grant Early Access on August 28, 2026 and add VC, MyCAREER boosts and MyTEAM cards.

Summary

Clark Covers Controversy

The NBA 2K27 Deluxe Edition cover shows Caitlin Clark with a dark skin tone, prompting fans on X to claim the image looks AI-generated or Photoshop-edited.
Darren Rovell says a different face for a cover athlete is unprecedented for NBA covers.
The cover shows Clark in a Nike Caitlin 1 “Yellow Zest” sneaker, the first footwear on a 2K cover.
Clark called the cover surreal and hopes it will inspire girls.

History

Historical Context

In September 2015 EA Sports launched FIFA 16, the first main-line football game to feature women’s national teams, after the series had sold over 100 million copies by 2010. The move built on the long rivalry with Konami’s PES and a growing market for sports titles, a trend echoed in 2026’s NBA 2K27 Deluxe Edition starring Victor Wembanyama, Derrick Rose and Caitlin Clark.

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Stars Cover NBA2K

Victor Wembanyama (first Spurs cover star), Caitlin Clark (first solo WNBA cover) and Derrick Rose (returning for his second NBA 2K cover) feature on the Standard, Deluxe and Ultra editions, launching September 4, 2026.
Editions cost $69.99, $99.99 and $149.99 and will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam) and Switch 2.
Deluxe and Ultra pre-orders grant Early Access on August 28, 2026 and add VC, MyCAREER boosts and MyTEAM cards.

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