Fans Lose Their Minds After NBA 2K26 Promo Shows Angel Reese and Shaq as Teammates

With NBA 2K26 just weeks away from its highly anticipated release, the gaming community is buzzing — but not for the reasons 2K Sports may have expected. A new promotional video has gone viral after showing Chicago Sky star Angel Reese and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal wearing the same uniform, sparking both excitement and confusion among fans online.

NBA 2K26: Release Date and Features

The latest installment in the iconic basketball video game series will officially hit shelves on September 5, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Players who pre-order the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions will get early access beginning August 29.

Ahead of the launch, 2K revealed several updates aimed at enhancing realism and gameplay, including:

• Improved Player Fidelity

• Enhanced Arena Visuals & Atmosphere

• Team-Specific Features for a more authentic experience

• New Broadcast Voices & Late-Game Commentary

• Iconic Big NBA Moments re-created in detail

But the biggest change of all is the introduction of WNBA Player Cards in MyTEAM, giving fans the ability to mix NBA and WNBA stars on one squad for the first time.

Angel Reese & Shaq: The Viral Moment

One particular clip quickly spread across social media, showing Angel Reese suited up alongside Shaquille O’Neal as teammates. The sight of the 7-foot-1 Hall of Famer running the floor in the same uniform as the 6-foot-3 Chicago Sky forward was enough to leave fans stunned.

Reactions ranged from hilarious to downright critical:

• “They’re trolling us at this point,” one fan posted.

• “Shaq finally getting to bang bodies with Angel Reese,” joked another.

• “Just announce 2K27 already, because 26 looking like a L,” a third wrote.

• “Shaq in a Sky jersey is not something I thought I’d see,” added a fourth.

Fan Debate Heats Up

While some praised the crossover concept for giving WNBA players more visibility, others argued that it felt awkward and unnecessary. For many, the idea of Shaq — who retired in 2011 — running alongside today’s WNBA stars looked more like parody than innovation.

Still, the addition of WNBA integration in MyTEAM marks a major step forward for inclusivity in the franchise. For the first time, gamers can create dream lineups that blend legends from both leagues, something fans had been requesting for years.

Other New Additions: NBA Cup Integration

Another major update is the full integration of the NBA Cup, which debuted in real life in 2023 as the league’s in-season tournament. In 2K26, the tournament will be clearly distinguished from regular-season games, offering players a new competitive experience within the season mode.

Waiting on Ratings

2K has yet to release the full list of player ratings, one of the most anticipated announcements every year. For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see how their favorite stars — both NBA and WNBA — rank in the new game.

Conclusion

NBA 2K26 has already sparked plenty of conversation ahead of its September release, and the controversial promo featuring Angel Reese and Shaquille O’Neal has only fueled the hype. Whether fans love or hate the crossover, one thing is clear: this year’s edition is pushing boundaries and giving gamers something they’ve never seen before.

As launch day approaches, all eyes will be on 2K to see if NBA 2K26 can live up to the buzz — or if the viral Shaq-Reese pairing will remain its most memorable moment.