Caitlin Clark's historic 2K27 cover
Caitlin Clark makes history as first WNBA player on global NBA 2K27 Deluxe cover
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Key Points
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Fans on social media speculated that the cover image is AI-edited, with comments such as 'Who tf is that' and 'This is photo shopped in some way' fueling questions about authenticity.
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Caitlin Clark became the first player in WNBA history to record more than 40 points and 10 assists in a single game, underscoring her breakout season highlighted in coverage of the 2K27 reveal.
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The Deluxe Edition is priced around $100 (listed as $99.99 by some outlets) and includes early access beginning August 28, with the standard release on September 4; multiple outlets note the price difference between editions.
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Clark appears on the Deluxe Edition cover wearing an unreleased Nike Caitlin 1 'Yellow Zest' colorway, part of her broader endorsement profile that includes Nike and other sponsors; the sneaker is slated for a $140 retail release alongside a Racer Blue colorway coming October 1.
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2K executive Zak Armitage framed the trio of covers as reflecting different worlds of the game, highlighting Clark's impact by saying she is 'pulling up from the logo' and 'redefining the women's game' in the context of NBA 2K27.
Caitlin Clark has made history as the first WNBA player to headline her own global premium cover for NBA 2K27, 2K announced. Clark appears on the Deluxe Edition, joining Victor Wembanyama on the Standard Edition and Derrick Rose on the Ultra Edition in a three-cover rollout. Hawk Central reported Clark is the first woman to land a standalone global cover for the franchise.
The Deluxe Edition is priced at $99.99 and includes early access starting August 28, with the full release on September 4, according to Hawkeyes Wire. Clark called the moment a milestone for women's basketball and a chance to grow the game worldwide.
Three Covers, Three Eras of the Game
2K structured the NBA 2K27 launch around three distinct athletes. Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs phenom, fronts the Standard Edition. Derrick Rose, the former NBA MVP, covers the Ultra Edition. Clark rounds out the trio on the Deluxe Edition, according to Yahoo Sports.
2K executive Zak Armitage framed the trio as reflecting different worlds of the game. He said Clark is 'pulling up from the logo' and 'redefining the women's game.' Armitage described each cover as representing a different chapter in basketball history, per Hawkeyes Wire.
Clark's Breakout Season Powers the Spotlight
Clark's selection comes during one of the most electric seasons in WNBA history. She became the first player in league history to record more than 40 points and 10 assists in a single game, according to Tri-City Herald. That milestone helped put her in the conversation for the biggest individual cover in sports gaming.
Her Indiana Fever have rallied around the moment. The franchise reacted publicly to the cover reveal, celebrating the recognition for their star guard, Tri-City Herald reported. Clark's rise has drawn record WNBA viewership and broad crossover appeal beyond basketball fans.
Nike's Unreleased Sneaker Steals the Cover Shot
Clark appears on the Deluxe Edition cover wearing an unreleased Nike Caitlin 1 in the 'Yellow Zest' colorway. The shoe is set to retail for $140. A second colorway, Racer Blue, drops on October 1, according to Yahoo Sports. The cover doubles as a marketing moment for her Nike partnership.
Fans Question Whether the Cover Image Is Real
Not everyone celebrated the announcement. Some fans on social media questioned whether the cover photo used AI editing. Comments like 'Who tf is that' and 'This is photo shopped in some way' spread quickly after the reveal, according to The Sun.
The questions centered on whether the image looked like Clark or was digitally altered. 2K has not publicly addressed the claims. The Sun noted the speculation was widespread but unconfirmed. The debate did not slow overall excitement about the historic cover announcement.
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