West Virginia Mountaineers Women’s Basketball Team Lands Historic Partnership with PlayStation, Set to Feature on Cover of 2026 Basketball Video Game……
In a landmark development that is reshaping the narrative of women’s collegiate athletics, the West Virginia Mountaineers women’s basketball team has announced a historic partnership with global gaming giant PlayStation. This unprecedented collaboration will see the Mountaineers become the first collegiate team—men’s or women’s—to be featured on the cover of a major sports video game. The team will grace the cover of the highly anticipated 2026 edition of PlayStation’s Basketball video game, a move that signals a transformative shift in the recognition and celebration of women’s sports on the global stage.
The announcement was made during a special press conference at the WVU Coliseum, attended by university officials, players, PlayStation executives, and media outlets from across the country. As part of the partnership, the Mountaineers will also receive exclusive access to PlayStation training and performance technology, customized digital content, and a dedicated marketing campaign that will spotlight the players and their journeys.
“This is not just a partnership—it’s a movement,” said WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker. “For decades, women’s sports have been underrepresented in media and commercial spaces. Today, we take a bold step forward. This collaboration with PlayStation validates the excellence, dedication, and influence of our women’s basketball program, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The PlayStation 2026 Basketball video game cover will feature senior point guard Layla Brooks, a two-time All-American and the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, alongside sophomore phenom Alana Jones and Head Coach Tanesha Carter. The trio embodies the success, discipline, and star power that has become synonymous with the Mountaineers’ women’s program in recent years.
PlayStation’s Vice President of Global Marketing, Julian Mercer, echoed the sentiment, stating: “We’re thrilled to be making history with the Mountaineers. Our decision to feature a women’s collegiate team is more than a first—it’s a promise to represent the changing landscape of sports. The West Virginia Mountaineers exemplify the kind of heart, skill, and cultural impact that today’s gamers and sports fans connect with.”
The Mountaineers’ rise to national prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. With back-to-back Final Four appearances and a championship title in 2024, the program has redefined excellence in women’s college basketball. The team’s high-octane playing style, strategic innovation, and strong community engagement have made them fan favorites and a model of modern collegiate athletics.
Coach Carter, now entering her seventh season at the helm, praised her team’s resilience and vision: “Our players have earned every ounce of this recognition. They’ve put in the work on the court, in the classroom, and in their communities. Being on the cover of a major video game is a symbol of progress, not just for West Virginia but for every young girl who dreams of playing at the highest level.”
The partnership is set to include a series of community outreach events, esports tournaments, and interactive fan experiences across West Virginia and beyond. Additionally, a documentary series chronicling the making of the 2026 cover, the team’s preparation, and the broader cultural impact of this initiative will be released in early 2026.
Reaction across the sports and gaming worlds has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media has been abuzz with tributes from NBA and WNBA stars, celebrities, and fans alike, praising the move as a long-overdue step toward equality and innovation.
With this groundbreaking partnership, the West Virginia Mountaineers are not just making history—they are rewriting the rules of what’s possible in women’s sports. As the countdown to the release of the 2026 Basketball video game begins, one thing is clear: the Mountaineers are not only at the top of their game—they’re leading the way into the future.