Phoenix Mercury Make History with Groundbreaking PlayStation Partnership, First WNBA Team to Grace 2026 Video Game Cover
Phoenix, AZ – May 25, 2025 — In a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports and the WNBA, the Phoenix Mercury have inked a historic partnership with PlayStation, becoming the first WNBA team to be featured on the cover of a mainstream basketball video game. This unprecedented collaboration will see the Mercury take center stage in the upcoming 2026 edition of the best-selling basketball video game series, marking a watershed moment in the evolution of women’s athletics and digital representation.
The partnership, officially announced Saturday morning, not only elevates the Mercury’s already illustrious profile but also sends a powerful message about the growing influence and recognition of women in sports and gaming culture. PlayStation, a global leader in interactive entertainment, described the move as part of a broader initiative to promote diversity and inclusivity across its platforms.
“This is more than just a cover,” said PlayStation’s Head of Global Sports Partnerships, Daniel Hayes. “It’s a celebration of the talent, perseverance, and cultural impact that the Phoenix Mercury — and the WNBA as a whole — have had on the game of basketball. We are thrilled to work alongside such an iconic franchise to break new ground.”
Founded in 1997, the Phoenix Mercury have long been a pillar of excellence in the WNBA, boasting three championships (2007, 2009, and 2014) and a legacy of legendary athletes including Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Skylar Diggins-Smith. The franchise has consistently pushed the envelope in terms of competition, advocacy, and innovation. This partnership with PlayStation only deepens that tradition.
“This is a moment of pride not just for our organization, but for the entire WNBA and for women everywhere who have been pushing boundaries,” said Phoenix Mercury President Vince Kozar. “To be the first women’s team ever to be featured on the cover of such an iconic sports video game is a validation of years of dedication, resilience, and belief.”
The 2026 edition of the game will feature stunning visuals of Mercury players, including interactive features that will allow gamers to experience the intensity of WNBA competition through newly enhanced gameplay modes. Fans can expect updated arenas, real player likenesses, team dynamics, and story-based campaigns centered around the Mercury’s journey — a first for women’s basketball in a major sports title.
Fans and players alike are already reacting with excitement and pride. Mercury star Diana Taurasi, widely considered the greatest player in WNBA history, called the moment “surreal and powerful,” adding, “This is going to inspire a generation of young girls who now see themselves on the same stage as the biggest stars in the game.”
The announcement comes amid a surge in popularity for women’s sports, with record-breaking attendance, viewership, and endorsement deals reshaping the landscape. The Mercury’s move to the video game cover not only reflects these changing dynamics but helps propel them forward.
With the 2026 release slated for early fall next year, fans are already counting down. As women’s basketball continues its meteoric rise, the Phoenix Mercury and PlayStation are leading the way — rewriting the rules and redefining what’s possible in both sports and gaming.
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