SerpApi.Org
WNBA star Caitlin Clark has been selected as the cover athlete for the deluxe edition of the new NBA 2K27 video game, after Angel Reese's inclusion last year.
Clark is currently on the verge of a suspension in the WNBA and has declined to participate in an event ahead of the All-Star Game. However, she remains the face of the league, and her profile has been recognized ahead of the next major NBA 2K release.
Last year, Reese was selected to be featured as the face of the WNBA edition and joined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Carmelo Anthony on the cover of another copy. This year, Clark has been selected as the sole cover star of the deluxe edition.
• Caitlin Clark refuses to take part in WNBA event as suspension looms
• Lionel Messi hands MLS blow just days after 'rat' behavior in World Cup final
On Wednesday, the cover stars for NBA 2K27 were announced: Clark, Victor Wembanyama, and Derrick Rose. Wembanyama will grace the cover of the standard edition, with Clark fronting the deluxe, and Rose on the limited-time Ultra Edition.
The standard edition costs $69.99, while the deluxe edition, which includes Clark, retails for $99.99. The limited-time edition featuring Rose will cost $149.99, though availability is limited.
NBA 2K showed its admiration for Reese last year, with the current Atlanta Dream star admitting she was "blessed and honored" to be selected. This year, NBA 2K acknowledged that Clark was essential, saying she's "redefining the women's game" with her abilities.
"Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose each come from different worlds, but they share the same obsession that has altered the trajectory of the game," said Zak Armitage, SVP & GM of NBA 2K.
"Wembanyama has broken the mold for what a big man can be and keeps breaking it. Clark is pulling up from the logo, not just redefining what range looks like, but the women's game entirely.
"And Rose changed what it meant to be a point guard - explosive, physical, unstoppable - and when faced with setbacks, his hunger for the game is what brought him back. None of them have an off switch, and that same relentless drive is what defines NBA 2K27."
Clark reacted to making WNBA history in partnership with NBA 2K and continues to move the needle in women's sports. "Being on the cover of NBA 2K27 is special because this game reaches fans all over the world," Clark said.
"To be the first WNBA player on her own global cover means women's basketball gets to show up on that stage too. I am proud to be part of that."
Reese was also happy to influence young athletes when being named as the WNBA edition cover last year, and said, "I'm so blessed to be honored. I was just super excited.
"Just trying to be the first of many and have many young kids and young women look up to me and know that they can do the same things I'm doing. The sky is the limit, even bigger than that, as long as you trust whatever you want and never let anybody put limitations on who you can be and what you can be."
