Denver, CO – June 3, 2025 — Rumors are heating up around Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić, who is reportedly in advanced talks with EA Sports to become the cover athlete and creative ambassador for the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game.
Industry insiders suggest the deal, if finalized, could be worth over $50 million, making it one of the most lucrative individual endorsements in video game history. While neither EA Sports nor Jokić’s management team have confirmed the agreement publicly, multiple sources close to the negotiation say that an announcement could come as early as mid-July.
“Jokić represents the kind of unselfish, high-IQ basketball the NBA 2K franchise wants to highlight,” said a gaming analyst familiar with the franchise. “It’s not just about flashy dunks anymore—it’s about reading the floor, making the right pass, and winning the smart way.”
What’s Expected:
- 🎮 Jokić to appear as the NBA 2K26 global cover athlete
- 💡 Potential development of a new “Court Vision Mode”, inspired by Jokić’s elite playmaking and decision-making
- 💬 Rumors of a voiceover pack featuring Jokić’s famously dry humor and stoic courtside commentary
- 💰 Deal could exceed $50 million over several years, including performance bonuses and marketing tie-ins
Should the deal go through, this would mark a major shift for EA Sports’ basketball franchise, signaling a focus on strategic, team-oriented gameplay. It would also be the first time a Serbian player graces the cover of a major global sports title.
NBA 2K26 is expected to launch in September 2025, with a formal reveal anticipated at EA Play Live in July.