Complete history from 1999 to 2025
Since its debut in 1999, the NBA 2k Basketball game series has been very popular among fans worldwide. The game’s cover athlete has become a prestigious hallmark of the franchise.
From the legendary icons to the upcoming rising stars, there have been some interesting choices for the covers that reflected the NBA’s evolving landscape.
Here’s a look at every NBA 2K cover player over the years, focusing on the biggest names and special editions.
Early Years: Allen Iverson’s reign (1999–2003)
One of the greatest point guards in the NBA and the only one who has appeared five times on the cover of NBA 2K games.
This series kicked off with Allen Iverson as the cover star for the first five titles. Known as “The Answer,” Iverson’s electric style made him the ideal face for the franchise’s early years, contributing to its popularity.
Also Read: When will NBA 2K26 launch? Possible release date & details
New Faces (2004–2009)
From ESPN NBA 2K5, we finally started to see some new faces as the cover athletes. Ben Wallace (ESPN NBA 2K5) was the first non-Iverson cover athlete in 2004, and Shaquille O’Neal followed suit in NBA 2K6 and 2K7.
Shaq’s domination on and off the court made him an appropriate option. Chris Paul (2K8), the youngest cover star at 21, and Kevin Garnett (2K9), coming off a Celtics title, continued the trend of focusing on active players.
Kobe and Jordan Era (2010–2016)
Kobe Bryant appeared on the cover of NBA 2K10 for the first of six times, the most by any player. His Mamba Forever Editions (2K21, 2K24) and Legend Edition (2K17) solidified his legacy.
Michael Jordan, who appeared on 2K11, 2K12, 2K16, and two 2K23 editions, was the first retired player to grace a cover, with special Magic Johnson and Larry Bird editions for 2K12. Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Derrick Rose all made appearances as cover stars in NBA 2K13.
NBA 2K16 featured seven covers, including Stephen Curry, James Harden, Anthony Davis, and regional players Pau Gasol (Spain) and Tony Parker (France).
Modern Stars (2017–2025)
The franchise began to embrace youthful talent and diversity. Paul George (2K17), Kyrie Irving (2K18), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2K19) were the NBA’s new guards.
LeBron James appeared in both 2K14 and the 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition. Anthony Davis (2K20), Damian Lillard, and Zion Williamson (2K21) exemplified the shift to next-generation talents.
NBA 2K22 featured Luka Doncic, and the WNBA 25th Anniversary Edition featured Candace Parker, the first WNBA cover star.
Devin Booker headlined 2K23 in 2023, while J. Cole appeared on the Dreamer Edition and Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird on the WNBA Edition.
NBA 2K24 celebrated Kobe Bryant with two editions, as well as Sabrina Ionescu with the WNBA Edition. Jayson Tatum (Standard and All-Star Editions), A’ja Wilson (All-Star and WNBA Editions), and Vince Carter (Hall of Fame Edition) were chosen as NBA 2K25’s current champions and legends.
Top cover stars by appearances
- Kobe Bryant: 6 covers (2K10, 2K17, 2K21 x2, 2K24 x2)
- Allen Iverson: 5 covers (2K–2K4)
- Michael Jordan: 5 covers (2K11, 2K12, 2K16, 2K23 x2)
- Shaquille O’Neal: 4 covers (2K6, 2K7, 2K18 x2)
- Kevin Durant: 3 covers (2K13, 2K15, 2K22)
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