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WNBA Makes Video Game Debut With NBA Live 18
Today EA Sports announced its basketball franchise is expanding into the women’s league. NBA Live 18 will be the first game to feature WNBA teams and players.
EA Sports took the same approach to adding the WNBA as they do with every professional league, motion capturing players like 2017 first overall pick Kelsey Plum of the San Antonio Stars and adding facial scans for high profile players like Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Diana Taurasi, and others. EA says the “teams and player skills have been specifically balanced to reflect the unique playstyle of the league.”
Though producer Mike Mahar says EA Sports hopes to expand the WNBA presence into other modes like The One and dynasty in future years, for Live 18 users can only access the rosters via Play Now or online versus. When I asked him if WNBA players were at least coming to Ultimate Team in NBA Live 18, Mahar said, “Potentially. I don’t want to give away any surprises for the full launch of the game.”
NBA Live 18 releases for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One later this year. Look for the playable demo on August 11.
Our Take
Frankly, we're surprised it has taken this long for the WNBA to take the court in a video game but better late than never.
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