2018 WNBA Finals Tip off Friday on ESPNEWS

Game 1 to Air on ESPNEWS, ESPN3, and on Local Networks in Seattle and Washington, D.C.

The 2018 WNBA Finals presented by YouTubeTV will tip off Friday, Sept. 7, at 9 p.m. ET, featuring a matchup between two dynamic teams – the Seattle Storm and perennial All-Star point guard Sue Bird against the Washington Mystics and star Elena Delle Donne. Commentator Ryan Ruocco and analyst Rebecca Lobo will call the series, with reporters LaChina Robinson and Holly Rowe.

In a unique agreement between ESPN and the WNBA, Friday’s Game 1 will air on ESPNEWS, as well as on stations in the teams’ local markets – JoeTV (KZJO) in Seattle, and the Monumental Sports Network in Washington, D.C. The game will also be streamed live on ESPN3 and available via the ESPN App. The remaining games in the best-of-five series will air on either ABC or ESPN2.

The head coaches of both teams – Seattle’s Dan Hughes and Washington’s Mike Thibault — and select players will wear microphones during the games. espnW.com will supplement ESPN’s schedule with comprehensive live coverage and analysis throughout the WNBA Finals:

• Mechelle Voepel and Kevin Pelton will cover the WNBA Finals, providing on-site reporting and storytelling.
• Video highlights along with previews, postgame video and analysis.
• Postgame analysis from ESPN’s analysts.

WNBA Playoffs Viewership Gains

Through the end of the semifinals, the WNBA postseason viewership on the combined ESPN networks is up 31% compared to 2017. The playoffs have averaged 293,000 viewers per game vs. 224,000 last year.

Finals Schedule:

** If necessary

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