In a groundbreaking development that’s sending ripples across the world of sports and gaming, the West Virginia Mountaineers women’s basketball team has inked a historic partnership with PlayStation, becoming the first collegiate team—men’s or women’s—to be featured on the cover of a major video game. Slated for release in March 2026, College Basketball 26 by PlayStation Studios will showcase the Mountaineers’ iconic gold and blue uniforms in a bold celebration of excellence, equity, and evolution in collegiate athletics.
The decision comes on the heels of the Mountaineers’ meteoric rise over the past five seasons. Under the visionary leadership of Head Coach Renee Caldwell, the team captured back-to-back NCAA championships in 2024 and 2025, including an unprecedented 38-0 perfect season. Their aggressive full-court press defense, combined with a fluid, high-octane offense led by All-American point guard Zariah Moore, has drawn national acclaim and a devoted fan base that stretches well beyond Morgantown.
PlayStation’s choice to spotlight the Mountaineers is more than just a marketing maneuver—it’s a seismic cultural statement. “This partnership is about honoring a team that has shattered records, stereotypes, and expectations,” said Tara Blake, PlayStation’s Head of Sports Gaming. “The Mountaineers represent what’s possible when talent, determination, and visibility converge. This is not just about a cover—it’s about shifting the center of gravity in sports representation.”
The cover art, unveiled at a sold-out event at the WVU Coliseum, features Moore mid-leap, launching a buzzer-beating three, flanked by teammates Aaliyah Green and Naomi Okafor. It’s a tribute not only to the team’s athletic brilliance but also to their unity and trailblazing journey. The game will include full licensing of WVU’s roster, play styles, court design, and even the “Mountaineer March” pre-game ceremony, captured in stunning next-gen graphics.
This partnership also extends into educational and economic impact. Through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) provisions, each player featured in the game will receive compensation, a first-of-its-kind agreement that reinforces the growing professionalism of women’s collegiate sports. West Virginia University also announced that a portion of the proceeds from the game will go toward funding scholarships for female athletes across all sports.
Reactions have poured in from across the sports world. Basketball legend Diana Taurasi called the move “a landmark moment for women in sport and digital media.” Former Mountaineer and NBA star Jevon Carter tweeted, “Proud to see my school lead the way. The women’s team earned every bit of this.”
In a sport long dominated by tradition, the Mountaineers are redefining what history looks like. From the hardwood to the digital arena, they are not just participating in the conversation—they are leading it. And with College Basketball 26 poised to reach millions of gamers worldwide, the legacy of the West Virginia Mountaineers women’s team is no longer just written in record books—it’s etched into the code of the future.
