Wembanyama, Clark and Rose land NBA 2K27 covers
NBA 2K said Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose will front three editions of NBA 2K27 when the game arrives in September.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
NBA 2K27 is going with a three-star cover lineup: Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose.
NBA 2K announced Wednesday in a news release that Wembanyama will appear on the standard edition, Clark will front the deluxe edition and Rose will headline the ultra edition.
The picks give the game a tidy theme. According to ESPN, all three players were selected No. 1 overall in their respective drafts, and each went on to win Rookie of the Year in their league.
Three covers, three firsts and returns
Wembanyama’s selection makes him the first San Antonio Spurs player to appear on the cover of the franchise, according to ESPN. Clark is also breaking new ground for her team, becoming the first Indiana Fever player to get a 2K cover.
For Rose, this is a return to familiar packaging. NBA 2K said the ultra edition marks his second time as a cover athlete for the series. Rose previously appeared on the NBA 2K13 cover, according to the release.
Zak Armitage, senior vice president and general manager of NBA 2K, said in the release that the three players come from different parts of the basketball world but are linked by the way they have changed the sport. Armitage pointed to Wembanyama’s reshaping of expectations for big men, Clark’s long-range shooting and influence on the women’s game, and Rose’s explosive point guard style and comeback after setbacks.
Armitage said that shared drive is what defines NBA 2K27.
Rose calls cover a chance to inspire
Rose said in the release that it felt “crazy” to look back from his NBA 2K13 cover to receiving his own edition for NBA 2K27.
He credited coaches, teammates and fans for playing roles in his career, and said the cover gives him a platform to encourage young athletes to keep working at the game. Rose said he wants to show that “countless hours of hard work” can be rewarded.
The announcement lands after a banner season for Wembanyama. ESPN reported that he averaged 23.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game during the 2026 playoffs, when San Antonio reached the NBA Finals. ESPN also reported that he won Defensive Player of the Year unanimously.
Clark’s cover comes during another high-profile WNBA season. ESPN reported that she is averaging 20.7 points and 7.8 assists for the Fever, who are tied for first in the Eastern Conference as the league approaches All-Star Weekend.
NBA 2K27’s standard edition is scheduled to release Sept. 4. Players with the deluxe and ultra editions will get early access beginning Aug. 28, according to ESPN.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.