2008 WNBA Season on ESPN2 and ABC Starts with the Defending Champion Phoenix Mercury

Debut of No. 1 Draft Pick Candace Parker with the Los Angeles Sparks

Theme Song and Music Video by R&B Sensation Alicia Keys

ESPN2 will combine with ABC to televise 22 regular-season WNBA games, starting with the defending champion, Phoenix Mercury and Diana Taurasi, when they host the Los Angeles Sparks and No. 1 Draft pick Candace Parker from NCAA champion Tennessee Saturday, May 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.  For the first time, ABC will use SkyCam for a WNBA telecast -- showcasing the speed and talent of the top female players in the world. 

The season will continue on ESPN2 when the re-vamped Seattle Storm, with veterans Sheryl Swoopes, Yolanda Griffith, and Swin Cash added to the roster, will host Griffith’s former team, the Sacramento Monarchs, on ESPN2’s WNBA Tuesday season opener May 20, at 10:30 p.m.  Prior to the first tip, host Dari Nowkhah and studio analyst Nancy Lieberman will provide the latest news and analysis of the season on WNBA Shootaround at 10 p.m.   All ESPN2 games will simulcast on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s signature broadband service and on ESPN Mobile TV.  Overall, ESPN2 will televise 14 games with eight on ABC.

In addition to the live action, fans will see a promotional video featuring Grammy-award winner Alicia Keys singing her hit “Superwoman” (from the “As I Am” album) prior to each game.  The video, taped before Keys’ live concert in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this month, will also feature graphics from the teams involved each week.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Five appearances by the Los Angeles Sparks, with the return of veteran center Lisa Leslie from maternity leave, including the final regular-season game versus West coast rival Seattle Sunday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m. on ESPN2.
• 2007 WNBA Finals rematch between the Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock Saturday, June 14, at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
• No. 2 Draft pick Sylvia Fowles from LSU and the Chicago Sky will play in New York versus the Liberty Sunday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. on ABC.  The other top draft pick, No. 3 Candice Wiggins from Stanford and the Minnesota Lynx will host the Connecticut Sun, Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
• National exposure for the expansion team, Atlanta Dream and Ivory Latta, as they host the Phoenix Mercury and 2007 WNBA Finals MVP Cappie Pondexter Tuesday, July 1, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
• Flexible scheduling that allows ESPN to work with the league to ensure the best possible match-ups for the national television audience.
• Full access coverage with live mics on players/coaches/referees, exclusive locker room interviews, and above and below the rim cameras for select telecasts.
• Fans will also be able to follow the action, including video highlights, recaps, statistics and features on ESPN’s MVP application, available exclusively on Verizon.  

COMMENTATORS

Versatile analyst Doris Burke, who also served as an analyst/reporter for ESPN’s NBA coverage, will return joining analyst Carolyn Peck and play-by-play commentators Terry Gannon, Dave Pasch and Pam Ward with reporters Heather Cox and Rebecca Lobo. 

2008 SCHEDULE ON ESPN2 & ABC

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