ESPN Marks 30th Anniversary of WNBA’s Inaugural Game With Liberty-Sparks Broadcast – Sports Video Group

ESPN has announced its coverage plans for the 30th anniversary of the WNBA’s inaugural game as the New York Liberty visit the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, June 21, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, the ESPN App, Disney+ and ESPN Deportes.

The anniversary matchup will also serve as the debut of Women’s Sports Sundays Presented by TJ Maxx, ESPN’s new weekly summer programming franchise focused on women’s sports.

Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo and Angel Gray will call the matchup from Los Angeles. Lobo played in the WNBA’s inaugural game on June 21, 1997, when the Liberty and Sparks met in the league’s first contest. Throughout the game, WNBA legends will join the broadcast to discuss the league’s first game.

“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the WNBA’s inaugural game, we’re honored to reflect on the players, coaches and pioneers who helped build the league while showcasing the stars shaping its future throughout the season,” said Tim Corrigan, ESPN Senior Vice President, Sports Production. “The debut of the Women’s Sports Sundays franchise provides the perfect stage to honor the WNBA’s legacy and continued momentum. Having Rebecca and Hannah, both part of that historic first game and featured throughout our coverage, makes the occasion even more meaningful.”

Leading into the game, WNBA Countdown Presented by Google Pixel airs at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN with Hannah Storm hosting alongside analysts Chiney Ogwumike and Monica McNutt. Storm served as play-by-play commentator for the WNBA’s inaugural game in 1997.

The pregame show will feature a conversation between Lobo, Lisa Leslie and Storm on the WNBA’s first game, the league’s growth over the past three decades, and moments that helped shape women’s professional basketball.

ESPN Social will support the Women’s Sports Sundays franchise with content captured by social producers on site, work with ESPN talent, and content partnerships with the featured leagues and teams.

Coverage will be supported by ESPN’s espnW accounts, which focus on women’s sports and culture across social media.

Select Women’s Sports Sundays will feature postgame editions of Chiney Today, streaming on the ESPN App, YouTube and major podcast platforms after the final buzzer. Ogwumike will react to the game, break down key moments, and highlight themes from Women’s Sports Sundays, along with WNBA storylines and topics from across the week. The show will also include content from the game site, with guests and perspective around the matchup.

ESPN has partnered with the WNBA since the league’s inception in 1997. Over the past year, ESPN has expanded its women’s sports programming with Vibe Check, Chiney Today and Women’s Sports Now, along with live events, original content, studio programming and documentary storytelling.