Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues his meteoric rise this summer—securing a league-record four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder and earning the coveted spot as the standard‑edition cover athlete for NBA 2K26, both first reported by Shams Charania and confirmed by multiple outlets.

SGA’s supermax deal, the largest average annual value in NBA history at approximately $71.35 million per year, slots him in OKC through the 2030–31 season. It comes on the heels of a historic 2024-25 campaign: he won NBA MVP, Finals MVP, the scoring title (32.7 PPG), and led OKC to its first NBA championship – a rare trifecta achieved by only three players in history .

Simultaneously, 2K Games officially selected SGA as the NBA 2K26 standard edition cover star, releasing the news via Shams Charania on X. The announcement highlighted his on-court dominance and off-court appeal, with the game’s SVP praising SGA’s “elite IQ, ice‑cold composure and street style”. The game, set for release on September 5, 2025, will also feature Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony on other editions, with all three appearing on the deluxe Leave No Doubt edition. 

ANALYSIS: This is a huge move for the franchise stability of OKC, as they have now locked in its best player for half a decade, ensuring consistency around their young core and championship expectations. Moreover, being a primary NBA 2K cover athlete is a rare distinction – SGA joins the ranks of NBA icons and becomes the first Thunder player to earn a solo standard-edition cover since Kevin Durant. The partnership with 2K extends beyond the cover – SGA helped shape on-game aesthetics like playlists and introduction outfits. It's a marketing win for both the superstar and the NBA brand. 

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s summer moves are more than ceremonial – this is a franchise-defining era. From signing the richest deal in league history to gracing the cover of the most iconic basketball video game, he's cementing his legacy on and off the court. Oklahoma City’s future will be measured by how well it builds around its undisputed leader.