Victor Wembanyama is reportedly poised to become the cover athlete for NBA 2K27, a major milestone for the San Antonio Spurs star after only three NBA seasons. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the planned reveal, according to sports.yahoo.com.
The selection would make Wembanyama the first Spurs player to appear on an NBA 2K cover since the basketball video game series launched in 1999. It would also make him the first center featured since Shaquille O’Neal appeared on the Legend Edition cover of NBA 2K18.
A Rapid Rise in San Antonio
Wembanyama has quickly developed into one of the league’s defining players, pairing elite scoring with rebounding and rim protection. He won Rookie of the Year in 2024 and added the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2026.
| Stat | Career Through 181 Games | Past Season |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 23.4 | 25.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 11.0 | 11.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 3.5 | Not provided |
| Blocks Per Game | 3.5 | Not provided |
Over 181 games, the 7-foot-4 center has averaged 23.4 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.5 blocks per game. Last season, his 25 points per game ranked 13th in the NBA, while his 11.5 rebounds ranked fourth.
Big Performances Behind the Cover Choice
Wembanyama’s statistical profile includes explosive single-game performances that underline his unusual range as a center. He scored 50 points against the Washington Wizards in November 2024 and has recorded eight other regular-season games with at least 40 points.
His work on the glass has been just as striking. Wembanyama grabbed 23 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets in January 2025 and has posted at least 20 rebounds in four regular-season games.
The reported cover honor arrives after San Antonio’s loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, where the Spurs fell in five games after repeatedly surrendering late leads. Wembanyama impressed during the series, though he also faced criticism for his response to the defeat.
NBA 2K27 is scheduled to release in September, and Wembanyama is expected to rank among its top players. The reported cover role would place the Spurs cornerstone at the center of one of basketball gaming’s most visible annual launches.