List of WNBA Finals broadcasters: Difference between revisions
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{| class=wikitable |
{| class=wikitable |
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|- |
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!Year |
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!Network |
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!Games |
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!Play-by-play |
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!Color commentator(s) |
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!Sideline reporter(s) |
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!Studio host |
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!Studio analyst(s) |
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|- |
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|rowspan="2" | [[2023 WNBA Finals|2023]] |
|rowspan="2" | [[2023 WNBA Finals|2023]] |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2023 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/10/espn-and-abc-to-exclusively-air-the-2023-wnba-finals-presented-by-youtube-tv-las-vegas-aces-vs-new-york-liberty-begins-sunday-oct-8/|title=ESPN and ABC to Exclusively Air the 2023 WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV – Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty Begins Sunday, Oct. 8|date=October 4, 2023|first=Santa|last=Brito|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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| align="center" | 1, 3 |
| align="center" | 1, 3 |
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|rowspan="10" | [[Ryan Ruocco]] |
|rowspan="10" | [[Ryan Ruocco]] |
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Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
|rowspan="2" | [[Carolyn Peck]] and [[Chiney Ogwumike]] |
|rowspan="2" | [[Carolyn Peck]] and [[Chiney Ogwumike]] |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN]] |
|[[ESPN]]<ref name="2023 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 2, 4 |
| align="center" | 2, 4 |
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|- |
|- |
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|rowspan="2" | [[2022 WNBA Finals|2022]] |
|rowspan="2" | [[2022 WNBA Finals|2022]] |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2022 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2022/09/disney-networks-to-provide-exclusive-coverage-of-wnba-finals-presented-by-youtube-tv-las-vegas-aces-vs-connecticut-sun-begins-sunday-on-abc/|title=Disney Networks to Provide Exclusive Coverage of WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV – Las Vegas Aces vs. Connecticut Sun Begins Sunday on ABC|date=September 9, 2022|first=Kimberly|last=Elchlepp|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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| align="center" | 1 |
| align="center" | 1 |
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|rowspan="2" | [[Carolyn Peck]] |
|rowspan="2" | [[Carolyn Peck]] |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN]] |
|[[ESPN]]<ref name="2022 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 2–4 |
| align="center" | 2–4 |
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|- |
|- |
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|rowspan="3" | [[2021 WNBA Finals|2021]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[2021 WNBA Finals|2021]] |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2021 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/10/espns-exclusive-coverage-of-the-wnba-finals-presented-by-youtube-tv-featuring-chicago-sky-vs-phoenix-mercury-begins-sunday-oct-10/|title=ESPN's Exclusive Coverage of the WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV Featuring Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury Begins Sunday, Oct. 10|date=October 9, 2021|first=Kimberly|last=Elchlepp|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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| align="center" | 1 |
| align="center" | 1 |
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|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' and ''[[Rosalyn Gold-Onwude]]'' |
|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' and ''[[Rosalyn Gold-Onwude]]'' |
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|rowspan="3" | [[Sue Bird]] and [[Carolyn Peck]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[Sue Bird]] and [[Carolyn Peck]] |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN]] |
|[[ESPN]]<ref name="2021 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 2, 4 |
| align="center" | 2, 4 |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN2]] |
|[[ESPN2]]<ref name="2021 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 3 |
| align="center" | 3 |
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|- |
|- |
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|rowspan="3" | [[2020 WNBA Finals|2020]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[2020 WNBA Finals|2020]] |
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|[[ESPN2]]<ref name="2020 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2020/10/spns-coverage-of-the-wnba-finals-presented-by-youtube-tv-begins-friday-oct-2/|title=ESPN's Coverage of the WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV Begins Friday, Oct. 2|date=October 1, 2020|first=Kimberly|last=Elchlepp|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[ESPN2]] |
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| align="center" | 1 |
| align="center" | 1 |
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|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' |
|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' |
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|rowspan="3" | [[Swin Cash]] (Game 1–2) |
|rowspan="3" | [[Swin Cash]] (Game 1–2) |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2020 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 2 |
| align="center" | 2 |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN]] |
|[[ESPN]]<ref name="2020 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 3 |
| align="center" | 3 |
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|} |
|} |
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{| class=wikitable |
{| class=wikitable |
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|- |
|- |
||
!Year |
|||
!Network |
|||
!Games |
|||
!Play-by-play |
|||
!Color commentator(s) |
|||
!Sideline reporter(s) |
|||
!Studio host |
|||
!Studio analyst(s) |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|rowspan="3" | [[2019 WNBA Finals|2019]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[2019 WNBA Finals|2019]] |
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|[[ESPN]]<ref name="2019 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2019/09/wnba-finals-tip-off-on-sunday-on-espn/|title=WNBA Finals Tip Off on Sunday on ESPN|date=September 26, 2019|first=Kimberly|last=Elchlepp|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[ESPN]] |
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| align="center" | 1–2 |
| align="center" | 1–2 |
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|rowspan="20" | [[Ryan Ruocco]] |
|rowspan="20" | [[Ryan Ruocco]] |
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|rowspan="3" ! align="center" colspan="2" | N/A |
|rowspan="3" ! align="center" colspan="2" | N/A |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2019 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 3 |
| align="center" | 3 |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN2]] |
|[[ESPN2]]<ref name="2019 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 4–5 |
| align="center" | 4–5 |
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|- |
|- |
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|rowspan="3" | [[2018 WNBA Finals|2018]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[2018 WNBA Finals|2018]] |
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|[[ESPNNEWS]]<ref name="2018 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2018/09/2018-wnba-finals-tip-off-friday-on-espnews/|title=2018 WNBA Finals Tip off Friday on ESPNEWS|date=September 6, 2018|first=Tara|last=Chozet|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[ESPNNEWS]] |
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| align="center" | 1 |
| align="center" | 1 |
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|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' (Game 2–3)<br>''[[LaChina Robinson]]'' (Game 1) |
|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' (Game 2–3)<br>''[[LaChina Robinson]]'' (Game 1) |
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|rowspan="3" ! align="center" colspan="2" | N/A |
|rowspan="3" ! align="center" colspan="2" | N/A |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2018 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 2 |
| align="center" | 2 |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN2]] |
|[[ESPN2]]<ref name="2018 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 3 |
| align="center" | 3 |
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|- |
|- |
||
|rowspan="3" | [[2017 WNBA Finals|2017]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[2017 WNBA Finals|2017]] |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2017 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2017/09/2017-wnba-finals-tip-off-sunday-abc-sparks-lynx-rematch-playoffs-viewership-espn-espn2-6/|title=2017 WNBA Finals Tip off Sunday on ABC with Sparks-Lynx Rematch; Playoffs Viewership on ESPN and ESPN2 up 6%|date=September 21, 2017|first=Tara|last=Chozet|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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| align="center" | 1 |
| align="center" | 1 |
||
|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' (Game 1–2, 4–5)<br>''[[LaChina Robinson]]'' (Game 3) |
|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' (Game 1–2, 4–5)<br>''[[LaChina Robinson]]'' (Game 3) |
||
|rowspan="3" ! align="center" colspan="2" | N/A |
|rowspan="3" ! align="center" colspan="2" | N/A |
||
|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN]] |
|[[ESPN]]<ref name="2017 WNBA Finals"/> |
||
| align="center" | 4–5 |
| align="center" | 4–5 |
||
|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN2]] |
|[[ESPN2]]<ref name="2017 WNBA Finals"/> |
||
| align="center" | 2–3 |
| align="center" | 2–3 |
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|- |
|- |
||
|rowspan="3" | [[2016 WNBA Finals|2016]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[2016 WNBA Finals|2016]] |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]<ref name="2016 WNBA Finals">{{cite news|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2016/10/2016-wnba-finals-minnesota-lynx-los-angeles-sparks-tips-off-sunday-abc/|title=2016 WNBA Finals between Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks Tips off Sunday on ABC|date=October 6, 2016|first=Tara|last=Chozet|publisher=ESPN Press Room|access-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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| align="center" | 1 |
| align="center" | 1 |
||
|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' (Game 2, 4–5)<br>''[[LaChina Robinson]]'' (Game 1, 3) |
|rowspan="3" | ''[[Holly Rowe]]'' (Game 2, 4–5)<br>''[[LaChina Robinson]]'' (Game 1, 3) |
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|rowspan="3" | [[LaChina Robinson]] |
|rowspan="3" | [[LaChina Robinson]] |
||
|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN]] |
|[[ESPN]]<ref name="2016 WNBA Finals"/> |
||
| align="center" | 4 |
| align="center" | 4 |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ESPN2]] |
|[[ESPN2]]<ref name="2016 WNBA Finals"/> |
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| align="center" | 2–3, 5 |
| align="center" | 2–3, 5 |
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|- |
|- |
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| align="center" | 2, 3 |
| align="center" | 2, 3 |
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|} |
|} |
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===Notes=== |
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*Game 1 of the [[2016 WNBA Finals]] was broadcast on ABC and had 0.5 overnight rating (597,000 viewers), which was the best since 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hoopfeed.com/content/2016/10/10/espn-2016-wnba-finals-game-1-delivers-best-overnight-rating-since-2010/ | title=ESPN: 2016 WNBA Finals Game 1 delivers best overnight rating since 2010 | date=October 10, 2016 | access-date=October 10, 2016 | website=hoopfeed.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=WNBA Finals draws best Game 1 rating since 1998 | url=http://www.todaysfastbreak.com/fastbreak-news/wnba-finals-draws-best-game-1-rating-since-1998/ | date=October 11, 2016 | access-date=October 11, 2016 | website=todaysfastbreak.com | first=Sam | last=Robinson}}</ref> The 5 game 2016 Finals broadcast on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 averaged a 0.3 rating and 487,000 viewers.<ref name="2016_finals_ratings">{{cite web | url=http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2016/10/wnba-ratings-espn-sparks-lynx-finals-viewership/ | title=Despite Classic Ending, WNBA Finals Down on ESPN2 | access-date=June 27, 2017 | date=October 24, 2016 | publisher=Sports Media Watch | author=Paulsen}}</ref> Average viewership in 2016 was 224,000 viewers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/9/21/13004460/wnba-record-attendance-viewership-2016|title=Numbers don't lie|work=Swish Appeal|access-date=2018-10-16}}</ref> |
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*Game one of the [[2015 WNBA Finals]] telecast on ABC, drew 571,000 viewers, up from 558,000 for game 1 in 2014.<ref name="2015_game_1">{{cite web | url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2015/10/08/game-1-of-2015-wnba-finals-sees-viewership-increase-from-2014-600014/20151008espn01/ | title=Game 1 of WNBA Finals sees Viewership Increase from 2014 | publisher=The Futon Critic | date=October 8, 2015 | access-date=November 4, 2015}}</ref> Game three of the finals drew 432,000 viewers, and game five drew 583,000, both on ESPN2.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2015/10/sportscenter-ratings-van-pelt-espn-wnba-finals-viewership-nascar-xfinity-nbcsn/| title=More Ratings: SVP SportsCenter, WNBA Finals, NASCAR Xfinity | author=Paulsen | date=October 12, 2015 | access-date=November 4, 2015 | publisher=Sport Media Watch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2015/10/sports-ratings-wnba-finals-espn-viewership-premier-boxing-low-nhl-nbcsn/ | title=Ratings Roundup: WNBA Finals, Premier Boxing, NHL on NBCSN | publisher=Sports Media Watch | date=October 15, 2015 | access-date=November 4, 2015 | author=Paulsen }}</ref> |
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*The [[2014 WNBA Finals]] averaged 659,000 viewers across the ESPN channels, up 91% from the 2013 finals between the Minnesota Lynx and the Atlanta Dream which averaged 345,000. Overall, the 2014 playoffs averaged a 0.3 rating and 489,000 viewers on the ESPN networks, up from 0.2 and 272,000 in 2013.<ref name="mediawatch_2014">{{cite web | url=http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2014/09/wnba-tv-ratings-finals-mercury-sky-griner-taurasi-delle-donne/ | title=2014 WNBA Finals Hits Multi-Year Viewership High | author=Paulsen | website=www.sportsmediawatch.com/ | date=September 18, 2014 | access-date=October 7, 2014}}</ref> |
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*The [[2013 WNBA Finals]] games averaged 344,000 viewers.<ref name="2013_ratings">{{cite web | url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2013/11/11/Media/By-The-Numbers.aspx | title=With rebound, WNBA solidifies spot at ESPN | website=sportsbusinessdaily.com | publisher=Sports Business Journal | date=November 11, 2013 | access-date=November 12, 2013 | first1=John | last1=Ourand | first2=Austin | last2=Karp }}</ref> |
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*Game 2 of the [[2012 WNBA Finals]] between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx was broadcast on ESPN (games 1,3 and 4 were on ESPN2) and received 778,000 viewers and a .6 household rating. This was the highest rated WNBA broadcast on ESPN since a 1999 Western Conference Finals game between the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks received 1,052,000 viewers and a 1.1 household rating.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wnba.com/news/playoffs_schedule_2012.html | publisher=WNBA | date=October 2012 | access-date=Sep 19, 2013 | title=2012 WNBA Finals Schedule}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoopfeed.com/content/2012/10/18/game-2-of-the-wnba-finals-most-viewed-wnba-postseason-game-since-1993/ | title=Game 2 of the WNBA Finals most viewed WNBA postseason game on ESPN since 1999|publisher=Hoopfeed.com | date=October 18, 2012|access-date=September 18, 2012 }}</ref> The average viewership for the 4 finals games in 2012 was 477,000.<ref name="mediawatch_2014" /> |
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==2000s== |
==2000s== |
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{| class=wikitable |
{| class=wikitable |
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|- |
|- |
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!Year |
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!Network |
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!Games |
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!Play-by-play |
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!Color commentator(s) |
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!Sideline reporter(s) |
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!Studio host |
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!Studio analyst(s) |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[2009 WNBA Finals|2009]] |
|[[2009 WNBA Finals|2009]] |
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===Notes=== |
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*The [[2009 WNBA Finals]] between the Mercury and Fever had the highest average ratings (548,000 viewers), since average finals ratings began being recorded in 2007.<ref name="mediawatch_2014" /> |
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*ESPN returned to the fold in the year [[2001 WNBA Championship|2001]], broadcasting the first game with NBC airing the second and decisive game between the [[2001 Los Angeles Sparks season|Los Angeles Sparks]] and [[2001 Charlotte Sting season|Charlotte Sting]]. For NBC's final year of coverage in [[2002 WNBA Finals|2002]], [[ESPN2]] this time, broadcast the first game with NBC again covering what would become the second and ultimately decisive game. The [[2002 Los Angeles Sparks season|Los Angeles Sparks]]' 69–66 victory over the [[2002 New York Liberty season|New York Liberty]] on August 31, 2002, would therefore, prove to be the final broadcast of the ''WNBA on NBC''. The league would soon thereafter, transfer the television rights<ref>{{cite news |date=June 13, 2002|title=WNBA players hint at a strike|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2002/jun/13/20020613-031537-4494r/|work=Washington Times}}</ref> to [[WNBA on ESPN|ABC/ESPN]].<ref>{{cite news |date=June 12, 2002|title=ESPN2, ABC Grab WNBA TV Rights|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/espn2-abc-grab-wnba-tv-rights-151305|work=Multichannel News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/news/abc_espn_020612.html|title=WNBA Announces Six-Year Deal with ABC and ESPN|date=June 12, 2002|website=WNBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sandomir|first=Richard|date=June 13, 2002|title=PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL; ABC And ESPN2 To Broadcast W.N.B.A. Games|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/13/sports/plus-pro-basketball-abc-and-espn2-to-broadcast-wnba-games.html|work=The New York Times}}</ref> |
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==1990s== |
==1990s== |
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{| class=wikitable |
{| class=wikitable |
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|- |
|- |
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!Year |
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!Network |
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!Games |
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!Play-by-play |
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!Color commentator(s) |
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!Sideline reporter(s) |
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!Studio host |
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!Studio analyst(s) |
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|- |
|- |
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|rowspan="2" | [[1999 WNBA Championship|1999]] |
|rowspan="2" | [[1999 WNBA Championship|1999]] |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[1997 WNBA Championship|1997]] |
|[[1997 WNBA Championship|1997]] |
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|[[NBC]]<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=August 30, 1997|title=The Spokesman-Review - Page 14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P84zAAAAIBAJ&dq=WNBA+Championship+NBC&pg=PA14&article_id=4623,7762008|work=The Spokesman-Review|location= |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref> |
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|[[NBC]] |
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|1 |
|1 |
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|[[Hannah Storm]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Gill|first=Suzanne|date=June 15, 1997|title=HANNAH STORM CALLS THE SHOTS|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1997/06/15/hannah-storm-calls-the-shots/cfdebde6-e9ad-40c5-a639-c3343c85a078/|newspaper=The Washington Post|location= |access-date=October 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Siegal |first=Rachel|date=June 21, 2011|title=Storm hails WNBA's first 15 years|url=https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2011/06/storm-hails-wnbas-15-years/|work=ESPN Front Row|location= |access-date=October 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kaplan|first=Don|date=August 3, 1999|title=STORM BREWING – WILL NBC SPORTSCASTER FIT GUMBEL'S GLASS SLIPPER?|url=https://nypost.com/1999/08/03/storm-brewing-will-nbc-sportscaster-fit-gumbels-glass-slipper/|work=New York Post}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news |last=Hirsley|first=Michael|date=November 26, 1997|title=NBC'S NEW NO. 1 TEAM IS COSTAS, THOMAS|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-11-26-9711260244-story.html|work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=May 15, 1997|title=NBC's Storm to Work the W.N.B.A.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/15/sports/nbc-s-storm-to-work-the-wnba.html|work=The New York Times}}</ref> |
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|[[Hannah Storm]] |
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|[[Ann Meyers]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Meyers Drysdale|first=Ann|date= May 15, 2012|title=You Let Some Girl Beat You?: The Story of Ann Meyers Drysdale|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TuliTNUju-sC&q=WNBA+on+NBC+mike+breen&pg=PT207|publisher= Behler Publications|isbn=9781933016870}} |
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|[[Ann Meyers]] |
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</ref> |
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|} |
|} |
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===Notes=== |
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*The first WNBA season in [[1997 WNBA season|1997]] concluded with what was at the time, a [[1997 WNBA Championship|single championship game]]. The following [[1998 WNBA Championship|year]], the finale series into a best-of-three games series, with NBC airing the first two games and [[WNBA on ESPN|ESPN]] airing the decisive third game. In [[1999 WNBA Championship|1999]], ESPN aired the first game of the championship series while NBC covered the following two. Come the year [[2000 WNBA Championship|2000]], [[WNBA on Lifetime|Lifetime]] temporarily assumed ESPN's role as the WNBA's cable outlet for the WNBA Championship. Like the year prior, Lifetime broadcast the first game while NBC covered the second and ultimately decisive game between the [[2000 Houston Comets season|Houston Comets]] and [[2000 New York Liberty season|New York Liberty]]. This marked Houston's fourth consecutive WNBA Championship. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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[[Category:Lifetime (TV network)]] |
[[Category:Lifetime (TV network)]] |
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[[Category:Lists of announcers of American sports events]] |
[[Category:Lists of announcers of American sports events]] |
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[[Category:Lists of |
[[Category:Lists of WNBA broadcasters]] |
Latest revision as of 14:21, 24 May 2024
The following is a list of the television networks and announcers that have broadcast the WNBA Finals.
2020s[edit]
Year | Network | Games | Play-by-play | Color commentator(s) | Sideline reporter(s) | Studio host | Studio analyst(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | ABC[1] | 1, 3 | Ryan Ruocco | Rebecca Lobo | Holly Rowe and Andraya Carter | LaChina Robinson | Carolyn Peck and Chiney Ogwumike |
ESPN[1] | 2, 4 | ||||||
2022 | ABC[2] | 1 | Carolyn Peck | ||||
ESPN[2] | 2–4 | ||||||
2021 | ABC[3] | 1 | Holly Rowe and Rosalyn Gold-Onwude | Sue Bird and Carolyn Peck | |||
ESPN[3] | 2, 4 | ||||||
ESPN2[3] | 3 | ||||||
2020 | ESPN2[4] | 1 | Holly Rowe | Swin Cash (Game 1–2) | |||
ABC[4] | 2 | ||||||
ESPN[4] | 3 |
2010s[edit]
Year | Network | Games | Play-by-play | Color commentator(s) | Sideline reporter(s) | Studio host | Studio analyst(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | ESPN[5] | 1–2 | Ryan Ruocco | Rebecca Lobo | Holly Rowe and LaChina Robinson | N/A | |
ABC[5] | 3 | ||||||
ESPN2[5] | 4–5 | ||||||
2018 | ESPNNEWS[6] | 1 | Holly Rowe (Game 2–3) LaChina Robinson (Game 1) |
N/A | |||
ABC[6] | 2 | ||||||
ESPN2[6] | 3 | ||||||
2017 | ABC[7] | 1 | Holly Rowe (Game 1–2, 4–5) LaChina Robinson (Game 3) |
N/A | |||
ESPN[7] | 4–5 | ||||||
ESPN2[7] | 2–3 | ||||||
2016 | ABC[8] | 1 | Holly Rowe (Game 2, 4–5) LaChina Robinson (Game 1, 3) |
N/A | LaChina Robinson | ||
ESPN[8] | 4 | ||||||
ESPN2[8] | 2–3, 5 | ||||||
2015 | ABC | 1 | Holly Rowe | N/A | Carolyn Peck | ||
ESPN | 4 | ||||||
ESPN2 | 2–3, 5 | ||||||
2014 | ABC | 1 | N/A | ||||
ESPN | 2 | ||||||
ESPN2 | 3 | ||||||
2013 | ESPN | 1 | Randy Scott | ||||
ESPN2 | 2–3 | ||||||
2012 | ESPN2 | 1, 3 and 4 | Pam Ward (Game 1) Terry Gannon (Game 2–4) |
Cindy Brunson | |||
ESPN | 2 | ||||||
2011 | ESPN | 1 | Pam Ward | Holly Rowe | |||
ESPN2 | 2–3 | Terry Gannon | Heather Cox | ||||
2010 | ABC | 1 | Carolyn Peck | Heather Cox and Rebecca Lobo | Doris Burke | ||
ESPN2 | 2, 3 |
Notes[edit]
- Game 1 of the 2016 WNBA Finals was broadcast on ABC and had 0.5 overnight rating (597,000 viewers), which was the best since 2010.[9][10] The 5 game 2016 Finals broadcast on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 averaged a 0.3 rating and 487,000 viewers.[11] Average viewership in 2016 was 224,000 viewers.[12]
- Game one of the 2015 WNBA Finals telecast on ABC, drew 571,000 viewers, up from 558,000 for game 1 in 2014.[13] Game three of the finals drew 432,000 viewers, and game five drew 583,000, both on ESPN2.[14][15]
- The 2014 WNBA Finals averaged 659,000 viewers across the ESPN channels, up 91% from the 2013 finals between the Minnesota Lynx and the Atlanta Dream which averaged 345,000. Overall, the 2014 playoffs averaged a 0.3 rating and 489,000 viewers on the ESPN networks, up from 0.2 and 272,000 in 2013.[16]
- The 2013 WNBA Finals games averaged 344,000 viewers.[17]
- Game 2 of the 2012 WNBA Finals between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx was broadcast on ESPN (games 1,3 and 4 were on ESPN2) and received 778,000 viewers and a .6 household rating. This was the highest rated WNBA broadcast on ESPN since a 1999 Western Conference Finals game between the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks received 1,052,000 viewers and a 1.1 household rating.[18][19] The average viewership for the 4 finals games in 2012 was 477,000.[16]
2000s[edit]
Notes[edit]
- The 2009 WNBA Finals between the Mercury and Fever had the highest average ratings (548,000 viewers), since average finals ratings began being recorded in 2007.[16]
- ESPN returned to the fold in the year 2001, broadcasting the first game with NBC airing the second and decisive game between the Los Angeles Sparks and Charlotte Sting. For NBC's final year of coverage in 2002, ESPN2 this time, broadcast the first game with NBC again covering what would become the second and ultimately decisive game. The Los Angeles Sparks' 69–66 victory over the New York Liberty on August 31, 2002, would therefore, prove to be the final broadcast of the WNBA on NBC. The league would soon thereafter, transfer the television rights[20] to ABC/ESPN.[21][22][23]
1990s[edit]
Year | Network | Games | Play-by-play | Color commentator(s) | Sideline reporter(s) | Studio host | Studio analyst(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1999 | Lifetime | 1 | Michele Tafoya | Reggie Miller | None | ||
NBC | 2–3 | Mike Breen | Ann Meyers | Lisa Malosky | Hannah Storm and Ahmad Rashad | ||
1998 | 2 | Tom Hammond[24] | Hannah Storm | Ann Meyers | |||
ESPN | 1, 3 | Robin Roberts | Geno Auriemma | N/A | |||
1997 | NBC[25] | 1 | Hannah Storm[26][27][28] [29][30] | Ann Meyers[31] |
Notes[edit]
- The first WNBA season in 1997 concluded with what was at the time, a single championship game. The following year, the finale series into a best-of-three games series, with NBC airing the first two games and ESPN airing the decisive third game. In 1999, ESPN aired the first game of the championship series while NBC covered the following two. Come the year 2000, Lifetime temporarily assumed ESPN's role as the WNBA's cable outlet for the WNBA Championship. Like the year prior, Lifetime broadcast the first game while NBC covered the second and ultimately decisive game between the Houston Comets and New York Liberty. This marked Houston's fourth consecutive WNBA Championship.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Brito, Santa (October 4, 2023). "ESPN and ABC to Exclusively Air the 2023 WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV – Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty Begins Sunday, Oct. 8". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Elchlepp, Kimberly (September 9, 2022). "Disney Networks to Provide Exclusive Coverage of WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV – Las Vegas Aces vs. Connecticut Sun Begins Sunday on ABC". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c Elchlepp, Kimberly (October 9, 2021). "ESPN's Exclusive Coverage of the WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV Featuring Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury Begins Sunday, Oct. 10". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c Elchlepp, Kimberly (October 1, 2020). "ESPN's Coverage of the WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV Begins Friday, Oct. 2". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c Elchlepp, Kimberly (September 26, 2019). "WNBA Finals Tip Off on Sunday on ESPN". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c Chozet, Tara (September 6, 2018). "2018 WNBA Finals Tip off Friday on ESPNEWS". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c Chozet, Tara (September 21, 2017). "2017 WNBA Finals Tip off Sunday on ABC with Sparks-Lynx Rematch; Playoffs Viewership on ESPN and ESPN2 up 6%". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c Chozet, Tara (October 6, 2016). "2016 WNBA Finals between Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks Tips off Sunday on ABC". ESPN Press Room. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "ESPN: 2016 WNBA Finals Game 1 delivers best overnight rating since 2010". hoopfeed.com. October 10, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
- ^ Robinson, Sam (October 11, 2016). "WNBA Finals draws best Game 1 rating since 1998". todaysfastbreak.com. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
- ^ Paulsen (October 24, 2016). "Despite Classic Ending, WNBA Finals Down on ESPN2". Sports Media Watch. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
- ^ "Numbers don't lie". Swish Appeal. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
- ^ "Game 1 of WNBA Finals sees Viewership Increase from 2014". The Futon Critic. October 8, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
- ^ Paulsen (October 12, 2015). "More Ratings: SVP SportsCenter, WNBA Finals, NASCAR Xfinity". Sport Media Watch. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
- ^ Paulsen (October 15, 2015). "Ratings Roundup: WNBA Finals, Premier Boxing, NHL on NBCSN". Sports Media Watch. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
- ^ a b c Paulsen (September 18, 2014). "2014 WNBA Finals Hits Multi-Year Viewership High". www.sportsmediawatch.com/. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
- ^ Ourand, John; Karp, Austin (November 11, 2013). "With rebound, WNBA solidifies spot at ESPN". sportsbusinessdaily.com. Sports Business Journal. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
- ^ "2012 WNBA Finals Schedule". WNBA. October 2012. Retrieved Sep 19, 2013.
- ^ "Game 2 of the WNBA Finals most viewed WNBA postseason game on ESPN since 1999". Hoopfeed.com. October 18, 2012. Retrieved September 18, 2012.
- ^ "WNBA players hint at a strike". Washington Times. June 13, 2002.
- ^ "ESPN2, ABC Grab WNBA TV Rights". Multichannel News. June 12, 2002.
- ^ "WNBA Announces Six-Year Deal with ABC and ESPN". WNBA.com. June 12, 2002.
- ^ Sandomir, Richard (June 13, 2002). "PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL; ABC And ESPN2 To Broadcast W.N.B.A. Games". The New York Times.
- ^ "Retro: Western Washington, Sat. Aug 29th, 1998". Radio Discussions. April 7, 2012.
- ^ "The Spokesman-Review - Page 14". The Spokesman-Review. August 30, 1997. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ Gill, Suzanne (June 15, 1997). "HANNAH STORM CALLS THE SHOTS". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Siegal, Rachel (June 21, 2011). "Storm hails WNBA's first 15 years". ESPN Front Row. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Kaplan, Don (August 3, 1999). "STORM BREWING – WILL NBC SPORTSCASTER FIT GUMBEL'S GLASS SLIPPER?". New York Post.
- ^ Hirsley, Michael (November 26, 1997). "NBC'S NEW NO. 1 TEAM IS COSTAS, THOMAS". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ "NBC's Storm to Work the W.N.B.A." The New York Times. May 15, 1997.
- ^ Meyers Drysdale, Ann (May 15, 2012). You Let Some Girl Beat You?: The Story of Ann Meyers Drysdale. Behler Publications. ISBN 9781933016870.
External links[edit]
- Sports Media Watch: WNBA
- Episode List: WNBA Finals at TV Tango