Teams of top rookies to dominate ESPN’s WNBA regular season coverage

 

BRISTOL, Conn. – As WNBA draft day unfolded at ESPN headquarters, it became even more clear that ESPN will rely on the newly drafted rookies to garner television ratings.

Phoenix, expected to draft Brittney Griner with the top selection of the draft, will be on ESPN2 or ABC five times, including the network double header on May 27, that will also include the Chicago Sky, Tulsa Shock and Washington Mystics, holders of picks two through four.

ESPN will also continue the “3 to see” theme using espnW.com to take an in-depth look at the transition from college to professional ball for Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne, and Skylar Diggins.

It is a bit surprising the league has chosen to forsake the defending champion Indiana Fever opening game and banner raising, as Tamika Catchings’ drive for a title was one of the big stories of last season.

In total ESPN is expected to show fourteen games, including the All-Star game, July 27, at the home of the Connecticut Sun, Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.