Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky star, was chosen as the cover athlete for the upcoming video game NBA 2K26. When the announcement was made, she expressed the importance of the moment.
It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.
But shortly after the reveal, heated debates erupted in the virtual world. Fans of the WNBA and video game community voiced strong opinions about the player ratings, with Reese’s overall 90 becoming a flashpoint. The conversation inevitably expanded to include Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, the league’s most celebrated young talent.
Many fans argue that the ratings are not entirely fair for either of the two. Opinions are divided, with some considering them appropriate while others strongly disagree.
Part of the controversy centers on Clark’s difficult 2025 season. She has struggled with injuries, missing 12 games so far, including the Commissioner’s Cup final. A quadriceps injury sidelined her for five contests, and just as she appeared ready to bounce back, a groin injury forced her to miss another seven, in addition to the All-Star Game.
Angel Reese announced as 2K26 cover athlete
On June 9, the Chicago Sky forward was officially unveiled as the face of NBA 2K26. While her supporters celebrated the historic moment, the announcement was not met with equal enthusiasm among Fever fans loyal to Clark.
With the global release of the video game scheduled for September 5, 2K revealed ratings for the top 10 WNBA players, reigniting the debate over who deserves what ranking.
The list includes many of the league’s biggest stars, yet also sparked controversy among those who felt their favorites were undervalued-or overlooked entirely.
- Napheesa Collier leads with a 98 overall
- A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart follow closely with 96
- Caitlin Clark also lands at 96
- Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas is rated 95
- Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty comes in at 93
- Seattle Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike, Mercury’s Satou Sabally, and Liberty’s Jonquel Jones are each rated 92
- Angel Reese rounds out the list with a 90
Notably, Reese and Clark are the only second-year players on the list. However, both have faced setbacks this season. Clark’s absences have been significant, while Reese has been hampered by a back injury that has limited her to just two appearances since the All-Star break.
Reese remains her team’s leader
Despite her physical struggles, Reese continues to lead the Sky in points, rebounds, and assists. She has raised her field-goal percentage to 45 and, despite missing games since July 29, still ranks as the league’s top rebounder.
It’s been her ability to understand when she’s got the lane as a scorer and when she can be a facilitator. Then, what she brings on the defensive end, as well
Said Sky head coach Tyler Mash.
Fans rally behind Reese
Not all fans are satisfied with her rating. One comment that gained traction read: “Angel Reese, a 90? KD’s handles are a 91. Idk which is a bigger lie.” The post underscored the frustration among some supporters who feel the cover star deserved a higher overall.
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