ABC Opens WNBA Finals 2014 Between Chicago Sky & Phoenix Mercury Sunday
September 4, 2014 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Chicago Sky News Release
ESPN networks exclusive coverage of the best-of-five series for the WNBA Finals 2014 Presented by Boost Mobile begins Sunday, Sept. 7, showcasing the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Sky at Western Conference champion Phoenix Mercury on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET. Game 1 will air on ABC and can also be seen on the ABC SuperSign in Times Square in New York City at 3:30 p.m.
Game Two will be played on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from Phoenix, at 9 p.m. on ESPN. The remaining games, including if necessary Game Four and Five, will be televised on ESPN2.
The WNBA Finals 2014 announcers include Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo with Holly Rowe, in addition to Carolyn Peck providing studio analysis from ESPN's Bristol, Conn., studio.
The head coaches of both teams, plus select players, will wear microphones during the games. An on-court camera during the action, specifically free throws and dead ball situations will give viewers additional in-game access.
Storylines and players are the focus of the WNBA Finals 2014. The top players will be showcased, including Elena Delle Donne and Sylvia Fowles (Chicago), as well as Defensive Player of the Year Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix). Phoenix head coach Sandy Brondello was named WNBA Coach of the Year and Chicago guard Allie Quigley was selected as the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year. The Mercury are looking to end the season with a title after setting a WNBA record for most wins in a season (29).
espnW.com will supplement ESPN's schedule with comprehensive live coverage and analysis throughout the WNBA postseason:
A breakdown of the Finals including predictions, plus postgame analysis. Michelle Smith and Mechelle Voepel on site with videos, reports and commentary. - espnW's Top 10 WNBA Playoff Moments will be unveiled during the WNBA Finals, with the No. 3 moment during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. The No. 1 moment will be unveiled during Game 3. Additional moments can be found at espnW.com.
WatchESPN
All ESPN and ESPN2 telecasts will also be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
Early-Round Ratings Success
The WNBA Playoffs 2014 Presented by Boost Mobile conference semifinal games on ESPN2 posted a 100 percent ratings increase over last season (0.2 HH US rating vs. 0.1), and a 31 percent increase in viewership (262,000 viewers vs. 200,000 viewers).
ESPN, ESPN2 & ABC WNBA Playoffs 2014 Presented by Boost Mobile Schedule (subject to change)
Date Time (ET) Game / Commentators Network
Sun, Sept 7 3:30 p.m. WNBA Finals 2014 Game 1: Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo & Holly Rowe ABC
Tue, Sept 9 9 p.m. WNBA Finals 2014 Game 2: Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury ESPN
Fri, Sept 12 8 p.m. WNBA Finals 2014 Game 3: Phoenix Mercury at Chicago Sky ESPN2
Sun, Sept 14 5:30 p.m. WNBA Finals 2014 Game 4: Phoenix Mercury at Chicago Sky* ESPN2
Wed, Sept 17 9 p.m. WNBA Finals 2014 Game 5: Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury* ESPN2
* - If necessary
• Discuss this story on the Women's National Basketball Association message board...
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 4, 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.
