FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2026
JOY TAYLOR TAKES VIEWERS BEYOND THE COURT AND INTO THE CULTURE OF WNBA CITIES IN NEW SERIES “REP THE CITY”
Featuring Mark Cuban, Iman Shumpert, Mike Epps, Gary Payton and WNBA stars Flau’jae Johnson, Jonquel Jones, Veronica Burton and Natisha Hiedeman, the 12-episode travel and culture series premieres October 20.
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 20, 2026) — What makes a city more than just the team that represents it? In “Rep The City,” sports media personality Joy Taylor sets out to answer that question, taking audiences on a journey through the food, music, history, neighborhoods and personalities that define the cities of the WNBA. Premiering October 20, the 12-episode travel and culture series features appearances by Mark Cuban, Iman Shumpert, Mike Epps and Gary Payton, alongside WNBA players Flau’jae Johnson, Jonquel Jones, Veronica Burton and Natisha Hiedeman, as Taylor discovers the stories and communities that give each destination its unique character.
Created around the cities represented by 12 WNBA teams, “Rep The City” takes viewers from basketball culture to neighborhood institutions, exploring the connections among hometown pride, local history and the people who shape each destination. Through candid conversations and firsthand experiences, Taylor discovers how the WNBA intersects with music, food, art, fashion and community.
Each episode uses a WNBA city as its starting point, introducing the players, entertainers, entrepreneurs, chefs and local personalities who help define its character. From beloved neighborhood restaurants and local businesses to cultural landmarks and gathering places, Taylor uncovers the stories and experiences that make each destination uniquely its own.
“Sports have always been about so much more than what happens on the court or the field. They’re about the people, the neighborhoods, the traditions, and the pride that bring communities together,” said Taylor. “Sports and travel are my two passions. It’s been such an honor, as a woman in sports, to tell the stories of the communities that are home to these 12 WNBA cities. Being able to travel the country and speak with the people who love these teams, their players, and the culture of their communities has been an amazing experience. I can’t wait for everyone to get to know these players better and discover the cities they call home.”
Joy Taylor executive produced “Rep The City” through her production company Steel Violet Productions, alongside executive producers Caston Grigsby and Marcos Pérez-Ogilvie. Directed by Andrea Buccilla.
The series opens in Atlanta on October 20, where Taylor connects with rapper Young Dro, comedian Sam Jay, former NBA champion Iman Shumpert, WNBA players Jordin Canada and Naz Hillmon, and Chef Sosa of Nala, showcasing the city’s vibrant intersection of sports, music, food and culture. From there, “Rep The City” travels to destinations including Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Seattle, Phoenix, Chicago, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C. and New York City, featuring appearances by Gilbert Arenas, Ros Gold-Onwude, Jeff Teague, Nate Robinson, Cliff Avril and other personalities, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
“‘Rep The City’ embodies the kind of storytelling we’re excited to bring to audiences: content that connects sports with the culture, communities, and most of all, people, that surround them,” said Drew Rauso, head of content at Playmaker. “Joy uniquely brings a natural curiosity and a genuine ability to connect with people no matter the location or topic. Together, we’ve created a series that goes beyond traditional sports coverage to celebrate the personalities, places, and experiences that make each city special.”
With “Rep The City,” Taylor expands her storytelling beyond traditional sports commentary, using the WNBA as a lens on the communities that make sports culture meaningful. The series offers audiences a chance to experience familiar cities differently, celebrating the players and teams alongside the music, food, creativity and local voices that bring them to life.
At its heart, “Rep The City” celebrates the people and communities behind the WNBA’s hometowns. By moving beyond the court and into the neighborhoods that surround it, Taylor invites audiences to discover the stories, traditions and cultural connections that make every city worth representing.
“Rep The City” premieres Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
ABOUT REP THE CITY
“Rep The City” is a 12-episode WNBA-centered travel and culture series hosted by sports media personality Joy Taylor. Each episode explores a city represented by one of the league’s 12 teams, highlighting the players, neighborhoods, food, music, history and traditions that shape its identity. Through conversations with athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs and community voices, the series celebrates the stories beyond the game.
ABOUT JOY TAYLOR
Joy Taylor is a sports media personality and broadcaster known for her work across national sports television, radio and digital platforms. Through her commentary and conversations at the intersection of sports, entertainment and culture, Taylor has established a distinctive voice in sports media. With “Rep The City,” she expands into travel and lifestyle storytelling, exploring the communities and cultural experiences that shape cities across America.
ABOUT PLAYMAKER
Playmaker HQ is a leading sports and entertainment digital media studio and network that partners with premier personalities, creators, and athletes to develop, produce, distribute and monetize original programming to billions of fans.
Through a growing slate of podcasts, digital series, and live events, Playmaker HQ serves as a production, distribution and commercial partner to talent, helping build media franchises and communities around some of the biggest names in sports and culture. The company currently works with Shaquille O’Neal, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson through Shay Shay Media, Mookie Betts, Joy Taylor, Bomani Jones, Gilbert Arenas, Jameis Winston, Bart Scott and Willie Colon, and Fabolous, Jim Jones, Maino and Dave East through the Let’s Rap About It podcast.
