NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Los Angeles Sparks

Time Warner Cable Sportsnet Announces Los Angeles Sparks Programming

May 8, 2014 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release


EL SEGUNDO, CA (May 8, 2014) - The Los Angeles Sparks and Time Warner Cable SportsNet today announced the programming and broadcast team for the 2014 Sparks season. The network, in addition to televising 25 live games, will provide fans with in-depth coverage of the Sparks all season long, led by live pre- and post-game shows and original programming including the behind-the-scenes documentary series "Backstage: Sparks." Time Warner Cable Deportes will also televise 25 games live.

"Our partnership with Time Warner Cable SportsNet allows Sparks fans to follow the team from a unique and personal perspective," said Sparks Executive Vice President and general manager Penny Toler. "This year is going to be magical and we look forward to bringing every moment - both on and off the court - to Sparks fans throughout the season."

"The Sparks are going to have a great season and we know that Time Warner Cable SportsNet's comprehensive game and original programming schedule will give fans full coverage of the team all season long," said Mark Shuken, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Time Warner Cable Sports Regional Networks. "We're extremely excited for Sparks season and to work closely with the team and new ownership group."

Leading the Sparks broadcast team this season is five-time Emmy Award-winner and versatile veteran sports broadcaster Jim Watson, who will call all Sparks games on Time Warner Cable SportsNet. Watson has more than 20 years of experience in sports television and has also covered the Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Galaxy, Olympics and numerous collegiate sports. Joining Watson in the broadcast booth will be retired NBA player Jarron Collins and veteran women's basketball commentator Mary Murphy as analysts. Collins played 11 seasons in the NBA and is also a scout for the Los Angeles Clippers and a basketball analyst for several national and regional networks. His twin brother, Jason, currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets. He will provide commentary for all Sparks home games, while Murphy will join Watson for all Sparks road games. Murphy also calls college and WNBA games for several networks and spent 11 years as a women's college basketball coach after playing and serving as a two-year captain at Northwestern University.

Time Warner Cable SportsNet studio analyst Kelli Tennant will again serve as the sideline reporter for Sparks home games. Ricardo Celis and Francisco X. Rivera also return to call Sparks games on Time Warner Cable Deportes.

"Access SportsNet: Sparks," Time Warner Cable SportsNet's live pre-and post-game studio show, will feature expert analysis, highlights and exclusive interviews. Time Warner Cable SportsNet studio hosts Chris McGee, Jaime Maggio and Dave Miller will anchor the program, with live contributions on site from Tennant at Sparks home games. Pre-game "Access SportsNet: Sparks" will begin half an hour before the game, analysts will be live from the studio again at half time and the live post-game show will continue for an hour after the final buzzer. On non-game nights, the live studio show "Access SportsNet" will provide regular coverage of the team.

Periodic episodes of "Backstage: Sparks" will air during the season, taking fans behind-the-scenes of the team on and off the court. The debut episode will air on Sunday, May 18 at 5:00 p.m. prior to the network's coverage of the Sparks' home opener and feature a behind-the-scenes look at Sparks training camp and media day.

Additionally, re-telecasts of Sparks games enhanced with social media interaction and bonus commentary will air on "Encore+" and "Timeless Sparks" will showcase classic Sparks games.

Check out the Los Angeles Sparks Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Women's National Basketball Association message board...

Women's National Basketball Association Stories from May 8, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central