HISTORIC POWER PLAY: West Virginia Mountaineers Women’s Basketball Team Lands Groundbreaking PlayStation Cover Deal
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a trailblazing moment that reshapes the landscape of collegiate athletics and women’s sports, the West Virginia Mountaineers women’s basketball team has signed an unprecedented partnership with PlayStation, making history as the first collegiate team ever to grace the cover of a major sports video game. The upcoming PlayStation 2026 College Basketball title will proudly feature the powerhouse Mountaineers squad front and center — a monumental honor that not only celebrates their dominance on the hardwood, but symbolizes a tectonic shift in how women’s sports are perceived globally.
The announcement, made Thursday morning at a packed press event inside the WVU Coliseum, was met with thunderous applause and visible emotion from players, coaches, and fans alike. The Mountaineers, under head coach LaShondra Bell, have built a dynasty over the past five seasons, claiming back-to-back national championships and rewriting the record books with a fast-paced, high-IQ style of play that has become the envy of collegiate programs nationwide.
“This is bigger than basketball,” said Coach Bell during the unveiling of the cover artwork. “This is about representation, recognition, and rewriting the narrative for every young girl who dreams of greatness.”
The PlayStation partnership includes not only the cover reveal but also a full-fledged documentary, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and personalized story arcs for key players within the game. Senior forward Zariah Bennett, junior guard Trinity Miles, and freshman phenom Elena Petrova will have playable storylines in career mode, each capturing their real-life rise from local legends to national icons.
Industry analysts estimate the partnership will generate tens of millions in brand exposure for both WVU and the PlayStation franchise. Social media erupted following the announcement, with hashtags like #MountaineerLegacy and #PlayLikeAGirlWVU trending across platforms.
As sports and gaming industries increasingly push for inclusivity and authenticity, the Mountaineers have once again proven they’re not just part of the conversation — they’re leading it.
Watch the full reveal video and exclusive interviews now at PlayStation.com/WVU2026
