Washington Huskies announce World of Warcraft takeover

Huskies will commemorate video game's 20th anniversary for Friday's game against UCLA

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The Huskies will be led onto field by World of Warcraft mascots for Friday's game against UCLA. (Credit: Blizzard Entertainment)

The University of Washington announced Tuesday an NIL deal with Blizzard Entertainment, the video game publisher behind World of Warcraft, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Washington players, such as Jonah Coleman, will help promote the video game. (Credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
Washington players, such as Jonah Coleman, will help promote the video game. (Credit: Blizzard Entertainment)

UW will be renamed “University of Warcraft” this week ahead of Friday’s football matchup against UCLA. The Huskies will feature various World of Warcraft themes such as a University of Warcraft logo and “digital takeover” that will include players such as Carson Bruener, Denzel Boston and Jonah Coleman creating custom content on social media in service of the rebrand.

The school said in a statement the game will feature a fan zone of various characters from the game, branded T-shirts available for the student section and in-game World of Warcraft versions of Will Rogers, Bruener, Kam Fabiculanan, Boston and Coleman broadcasted in the stadium and online.

“Our football players have had the unique chance to contribute to Blizzard’s 20th anniversary celebration, gaining valuable insights into the creative production process behind an iconic brand,” Kurt Svoboda, Washington's deputy athletic director for external relations, said in a statement.

”We look forward to Friday’s World of Warcraft takeover at Husky Stadium, where two powerhouse brands will come together for an unforgettable experience.”

The original game, considered one of the most impactful massive multiplayer online role-playing games in history, was released in November 2004 and spawned a franchise that has grossed more than $9 billion in revenue.

Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.