A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces star, is set to make history as the first WNBA player and first Black woman to grace the cover of the NBA 2K video game series. This groundbreaking announcement comes as women’s basketball continues to gain recognition on a larger scale.
WNBA Superstar Breaks New Ground in Gaming
The global edition of NBA 2K25, scheduled for release on September 6th, will feature Wilson on its cover. This unprecedented move marks a significant milestone for both the WNBA and the gaming industry.
Wilson expressed her excitement about this historic achievement, stating, “Being featured on the NBA 2K25 cover is a big moment for me and a testament to the ever-growing fandom of the WNBA.” She added, “Seeing more and more WNBA athletes scanned into NBA 2K25 to best capture the style and confidence of the league has been empowering, and I can’t wait for fans to experience it in-game.”
A’ja Wilson’s Stellar Career and Accomplishments
Since being drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, Wilson has established herself as a dominant force in the WNBA. Her impressive resume includes leading the Aces to back-to-back WNBA championship titles in 2022 and 2023.
In the 2024 season, Wilson continues to shine as the league leader in points (27.0) and blocks (2.7) per game. She also ranks second in rebounding, averaging 10.9 rebounds per game, trailing only Angel Reese.
WNBA’s Surging Popularity and Record-Breaking Season
Wilson’s NBA 2K25 cover appearance coincides with a remarkable surge in WNBA popularity. The league’s 28th season, which began on May 18, has witnessed its highest attendance in 26 years and record-breaking television viewership.
According to recent reports, WNBA arenas are filled to 94% capacity, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. Additionally, national television broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBS have seen viewership numbers triple compared to last season, with an average of 1.32 million viewers tuning in to games.
Gaming Industry Embraces Women’s Basketball
Wilson’s inclusion on the NBA 2K25 cover represents a significant step forward in the gaming industry’s recognition of women’s basketball. In addition to the global edition, Wilson will also be the cover star for the GameStop-exclusive physical edition of the WNBA version of the game, available only in the U.S. and Canada.
This move by NBA 2K25 reflects the growing demand for representation of women’s sports in gaming. It also aligns with the WNBA’s overall growth strategy, as highlighted by Colie Edison, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of the WNBA, who stated, “What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: The demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment.”
