In a landmark achievement for women’s sports, the West Virginia Mountaineers women’s basketball team has made history by becoming the first collegiate team featured on the cover of a PlayStation video game. This partnership is set to highlight the team’s unprecedented success and amplify the visibility of women’s athletics on a global scale.
A Monumental Partnership
The collaboration with PlayStation, a giant in the gaming industry, is a powerful statement of the growing influence and recognition of women’s sports. The Mountaineers will grace the cover of the highly anticipated 2026 NCAA Basketball video game, marking the first time a women’s team has been given such an honor. This inclusion celebrates their dominance on the court and symbolizes a broader commitment to gender equity in sports media representation.
“Being the first women’s team featured on a video game cover is a tremendous honor,” said Head Coach Dawn Crawford. “It’s not just about West Virginia; it’s about every young girl who dreams of playing on the big stage. This is for them.”
Why the Mountaineers?
The West Virginia women’s basketball team has earned this spotlight through their unparalleled success in recent years. With back-to-back national championships, record-breaking attendance, and an impressive roster of All-American athletes, the Mountaineers have set a new gold standard in collegiate basketball. Their style of play, marked by grit, skill, and teamwork, has captivated audiences nationwide, making them a fitting choice for this historic cover.
Empowering the Next Generation
This partnership goes beyond sports, as it is poised to inspire future generations of female athletes. The game will feature the Mountaineers’ full roster, custom play styles, and an exclusive “Her Time to Shine” campaign mode, aimed at celebrating women’s contributions to the sport.
PlayStation has also announced plans to donate a portion of the game’s proceeds to initiatives supporting women in sports, including scholarships and development programs. “Representation matters,” said a PlayStation spokesperson. “We are proud to partner with the Mountaineers to make history and inspire young athletes around the world.”
Looking Ahead
The 2026 NCAA Basketball video game, set to release next spring, is already generating buzz, with preorders breaking records. Fans are eager to see the Mountaineers in action, both on the court and in the gaming realm.
As the world celebrates this monumental step forward, one thing is clear: the West Virginia Mountaineers have not only made history—they’ve redefined the future of women’s sports.
