Controversy Erupts After Aaliyah Edwards Condemns Angel Reese’s NBA 2K26 Cover Appearance

In a stunning social media post that sent shockwaves through the basketball community, Canadian basketball star Aaliyah Edwards made headlines this week after expressing outrage over the selection of Angel Reese as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26.

“It’s a disgrace for her to be the face of this game. I’m quitting the sport I once loved,” Edwards reportedly wrote in a now-deleted post on her X (formerly Twitter) account. Though the message was quickly removed, screenshots of the statement circulated rapidly across social media platforms, drawing strong reactions from both fans and fellow athletes.

Angel Reese, who has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in women’s basketball over the past two years, was announced as the cover star of the WNBA Edition of NBA 2K26 just days ago. The announcement marked a milestone in the continued rise of women’s basketball, with 2K Sports highlighting Reese’s growing influence on and off the court.

However, Edwards’ harsh reaction has ignited debate about sportsmanship, rivalry, and what it means to represent the sport at the highest level.

Many fans were quick to criticize Edwards’ tone and message, calling it unprofessional and disrespectful. Others argued that while disappointment is natural, publicly attacking a fellow athlete over such an honor undermines the unity and progress of women’s basketball.

“Aaliyah Edwards is entitled to her opinion, but this kind of reaction just fuels negativity,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “Reese worked hard for this. She deserves respect whether you like her style or not.”

Reese herself has not publicly responded to the controversy. However, she posted a message shortly after the post began circulating: “They tried to bury me, but they didn’t know I was a seed 🌱 #KeepRising,” suggesting she’s choosing to rise above the backlash.

The two players have crossed paths in college and professional basketball, with tensions occasionally flaring on the court. While there is no official rivalry between Edwards and Reese, this incident has brought personal dynamics into the spotlight.

A representative for Edwards has not issued a statement, and it remains unclear whether the post was an emotional reaction or a deeper reflection of frustrations within the league.

Some commentators, meanwhile, are using the moment to call for more constructive dialogue within women’s sports. “Passion is great,” said WNBA analyst and former player Candice Wiggins. “But we need leaders who uplift one another. The sport is only just getting the recognition it deserves. Internal division doesn’t help.”

Whether Edwards will face disciplinary action or further backlash remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the controversy has added a new layer of drama to an already exciting WNBA season.

As the dust settles, fans hope the focus will return to the court—where both Edwards and Reese continue to shape the future of the game.