2K today announced that Phoenix Mercury’s two-time Kia WNBA Finals MVP, three-time WNBA Champion, WNBA all-time leading scorer, and five-time Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi, along with Seattle Storm’s four-time WNBA Champion, thirteen-time WNBA All-Star, WNBA all-time assists leader, and five-time Olympic gold medalist, Sue Bird, will grace the cover of the NBA 2K23 WNBA Edition. Exclusively available at GameStop only in the U.S. and Canada, the NBA 2K23 WNBA Edition marks the second cover in NBA 2K franchise history to celebrate WNBA athletes. Diana and Sue join Michael Jordan as the current NBA 2K23 cover athletes, with one more major cover athlete announcement to be made tomorrow.
“It really is an incredible feeling to see your hard work memorialized on the cover of a game like NBA 2K23,” said Taurasi. “There are so many kids that dream of pursuing a professional basketball career, and they can now also dream of being on the NBA 2K cover, whether they want to play in the NBA or WNBA.”
“The response to NBA 2K’s first WNBA Edition last year was overwhelmingly positive and a testament to the W’s growing audience and prominence,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy at 2K. “Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi have achieved greatness both individually and together, cementing their status as two of the best players in the WNBA’s history.”
Celebrating Sue Bird’s and Diana Taurasi’s career-long commitments to securing equal opportunities for women athletes, NBA 2K is also partnering with the WNBA stars to donate $100,000 to Every Kid Sports, giving young people the opportunity to join youth basketball programs across the country. The donation will increase access to youth basketball by covering the registration fees for over 550 girls from income-restricted families. Every Kid Sports is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping children play recreational youth sports.
“It’s amazing to see myself on the cover of a video game that has such a cultural impact,” said Bird. “And by partnering with NBA 2K and Every Kid Sports, Diana and I have the opportunity to open doors to hundreds of young girls in this country who want to express themselves on the court. I’m honored to be on the cover, and even more honored to use my legacy to provide these opportunities for the next generation.”
“This partnership with 2K and the phenomenal athletes involved is an exciting opportunity for our organization,” said Natalie Hummel, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Every Kid Sports. “We are truly humbled by their support and commitment to our mission to close the gap in access to recreational youth sports. I look forward to working together towards our goal of increased equity in sports by providing a pathway for underserved girls to reap the benefits of play.”
The NBA 2K23 WNBA Edition will include Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi’s WNBA jerseys as in-game bonus content*. Stay tuned for more cover reveals and pricing when pre-orders go live July 7.
Images via 2K
Have strong thoughts about this piece you need to share? Or maybe there’s something else on your mind you’re wanting to talk about with fellow Fandomentals? Head on over to our Community server to join in the conversation!
