Latest news with #LisaLeslie
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Had One Word for Angel Reese on Sunday
WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Had One Word for Angel Reese on Sunday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Sky have now won two straight games and sit at 2-4 in the early part of the 2025 WNBA season. They defeated the Dallas Wings in consecutive contests, with Sunday's victory coming on the road by a score of 94-83. Advertisement 2024 WNBA All-Star Angel Reese is averaging 10.0 points and 12.3 rebounds to lead the Sky. She already has three double-doubles this season and became the fastest player in league history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds. On Sunday, she posted a series of pictures on Instagram featuring one of her pregame outfits from the recent two-game series against the Wings. Reese limited the comments on her post, so only a select few could reply. WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, who Reese has grown close with in recent years, was one of the commenters. She had a simple one-word message for Reese that showed support for the young star. Advertisement "Yep🔥😂," Leslie commented. WNBA legend Lisa Leslie comments on Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese's / Instagram Leslie played all 12 of her WNBA seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, and she won two championships. She also earned three MVP awards, as well as 12 All-WNBA honorees and eight All-Star selections. Reese was an All-Star during her first season, and she made the All-Rookie team as well after averaging a WNBA record 13.1 rebounds per game. She is leading the league in rebounds per game once again in 2025 with 12.3. Looking for their third straight win, the Sky will play their next game on June 7 against the Indiana Fever to open the Commissioner's Cup. Related: Chicago Sky Coach Sends Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso Message Related: WNBA Legend Candace Parker Turns Heads After Major Personal News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Entrepreneur
22-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie on Building Legacy Beyond the Game
The Hall of Famer and businesswoman teamed up with Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp to celebrate Small Business Hero Day, which highlights entrepreneurs like her who are building lasting legacies through purpose and community impact. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The WNBA in 2025 is a cultural force, with names like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese becoming household staples among sports fans across the country and beyond. None of that would be possible without pioneers of the game like Lisa Leslie, who joined the league in its infancy in 1997 and helped the women's game reach new heights — literally. Related: Inside BODYARMOR's 'Choose Better' Rebrand A platform with purpose Leslie's resume speaks for itself. Aside from being the first WNBA player to dunk in a game, she won two WNBA championships, four Olympic gold medals and three MVPs. Off the court, she turned that success into major endorsement deals with brands like Kraft Foods and Gatorade. After retiring, she stayed close to the game, earning an MBA, becoming part-owner of the Sparks (since sold) and coaching the BIG3's Triplets to a championship in 2019. Now, 16 years after hanging up her jersey, she's partnering with Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp to give back, this time by supporting small business owners. On April 25, the WNBA legend made a surprise appearance at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles to celebrate Small Business Hero Day, hosted by Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp. She presented $20,000 checks to three national small businesses — Perry's Joint, BJ's Nevada Barbeque and the Homeless Garden Project — in recognition of their impact in their communities. The event also marked the launch of Intuit's expanded Small Business Hero Program, spotlighting more small businesses making a difference throughout the year. As part of a lineage of business owners, Leslie understands the vital role small businesses play in their communities. When she was young, her mom quit her job to start her own trucking business in order to support the family. Her uncle started a celebrity bodyguard company after injuries cut short his college football career. Two of her other Uncles started their own accounting firm, which many of her cousins have worked for at some point. "Small businesses are often family-run, meaning they're people working to support their families or give back to their communities," she says. "I deeply identify with both small businesses and family—that's why I love this work." Related: WNBA President Lisa Borders Shares Why She Believes 'Failure Is Not Fatal, It's Feedback' Above the rim and beyond While every athlete grinds toward a goal, most at least know what they're chasing. That wasn't the case for Lisa Leslie. She graduated from the University of Southern California three years before the WNBA even existed, leaving her future on the court uncertain. "Our focus had to be on what's next," she says. "It wasn't just about being a basketball player. My mindset was always, 'How am I going to make money? How can I be an entrepreneur? How can I be self-employed?" That entrepreneurial instinct came from watching her mom and uncles build businesses of their own, and it motivated her to search for something she could pour herself into outside of basketball. Leslie always knew she wanted to pursue modeling, eventually signing with Wilhelmina before heading overseas to play professionally in Italy. After her playing days, she leaned into a new set of ventures — launching an athlete-focused real estate firm, Aston Rose, and discovering a passion for public speaking. "I don't think about it in terms of money," she says. "For me, it's about building community, making an impact and inspiring others. It just feels natural to do the things I love. Basketball gave me the platform to do that, and opened the door to so much more." Today, WNBA players are seen as brands in their own right, and Leslie was ahead of the curve. She carved out a multifaceted career, balancing basketball, modeling, broadcasting and even acting long before it was common to do so. "I see that same drive in the young women today," she says. "Back when my colleagues and I were starting out, we had to do a lot just to build the league. A lot of it was unpaid — you just showed up, gave your all and hoped it would lead to something down the line. And now? This is the future we were working toward. Today's players are reaping the benefits."
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Intuit Honors Small Business Heroes with $20,000 Awards, Launches Small Business Hero Program
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU), the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, today announced the winners of its fourth annual Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Day – BJ's Nevada BBQ, the Homeless Garden Project, and Perry's Joint. The three heroes were honored in a special ceremony at Intuit Dome, hosted by WNBA League MVP and basketball legend Lisa Leslie. During the ceremony, the winners were acknowledged for going above and beyond to serve their customers, employees, and community, and awarded $20,000 each to help fuel their continued success. Building on the success of Small Business Hero Day over the last four years, Intuit also announced an expansion of the program into a year-long initiative called the Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program. The program will assist even more small business heroes across the U.S. by spotlighting three winners each quarter who have made a positive impact in their community, while demonstrating courage, perseverance, and integrity. Each winner will receive a $20,000 grant and additional resources from QuickBooks and Mailchimp to help amplify their small business on a larger scale, and support their continued success and growth. Nominations for the inaugural Small Business Hero Program are now open for businesses located in the U.S. To submit a small business for consideration, go to 1 'The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program will help provide a greater support system for small businesses across the country and the communities they serve,' said Emma Rodgers, SVP, Marketing, Intuit. 'These businesses fuel the economy and play a key role in our local communities, but running a small business is not easy. We've seen how impactful our $20,000 grants have been to the past recipients, and we're excited to expand the program and triple the number of businesses who will receive grants and resources each year, as part of our mission to help small businesses thrive and achieve prosperity.' New data from the 2025 Intuit Small Business Heroes Survey found that nine in 10 respondents (90%) say small businesses contribute to their sense of community. 2 This year's Small Business Hero Day winners are a shining example of how local business leaders play a key role in building this sense of community. Each has impacted their respective communities in unique ways and plan to use the grant money to further their positive impact. BJ's Nevada BBQ in Sparks, Nevada, a family-run business owned by professional chef and community leader Jay Rathmann, is a local staple celebrated for its delicious meals and deep-rooted community involvement. As president of the American Culinary Federation High Sierra Chefs Association, Jay uses his education in culinary arts to mentor students and advocate for culinary and vocational programs in the local schools. This work also includes fundraising efforts, as BJ's serves its food at a local Food Truck Friday event where all proceeds raised are donated to education, scholarships, and equipment for Northern Nevada culinary programs in schools, further establishing BJ's as a cornerstone of the Sparks community. 'To be part of Small Business Hero Day is amazing for us. I'm amazed that I have individuals in my life who think of me in that facet and that I am worthy of an award like this. That's huge to me and helps me understand that what we're doing is actually making a difference in my community,' shared Jay Rathmann. 'This grant is going to help me put money towards things that are close to our heart and things that we believe in and are proud of – both my students and my employees love doing that – as well as help with the family as we are 'for the business.'' The Homeless Garden Project in Santa Cruz, California is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide people experiencing homelessness with transitional employment, support services and community building. Located on a 3-acre organic farm, the project aids local food systems with their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, and offers a job training program where trainees gain hands-on work experience and support services that lead to transitional employment and housing. Executive Director Darrie Ganzhorn's mission is to enhance community engagement and reduce isolation for those experiencing homelessness through educational and volunteer opportunities, underscoring the transformative impact of community support and job skills. 'We depend on the community to make our business happen. It feels really good to be honored and to be seen in the context of a small business that is attempting to have more impact on their community,' said Darrie Ganzhorn. 'We work really hard at The Homeless Garden Project and we have an amazing team. We're providing the opportunity to the people that we're serving on our crew but they're the ones that are really doing the hard work of transformation, and I honor that work that they do – and thank Intuit for honoring it as well.' Perry's Joint, a sandwich shop established over 20 years ago in Southern California, serves as both a cultural hub for its jazz-themed space and a steady pillar for the Pasadena and Altadena communities. Founded by Perry Bennett, the eatery supports local educational and charitable initiatives, dedicating one day's annual earnings to provide scholarships to help local students pursue higher education. In the wake of the recent Eaton fire that devastated the surrounding community, Perry also opened his doors to provide for those in need, offering food, a warm place to find shelter, and a safe place for locals to congregate together amidst the chaos. 'The $20,000 grant means so much, especially as a small business. It's not like we have unlimited resources. It's nice to be able, for once in decades, to have a cushion in case something happens - like a slicer breaking or a refrigerator going out – that's helpful within itself,' shared Perry Bennett. 'I've been getting flooded with high schoolers asking for jobs. Although I can't hire everyone, the $20,000 grant will allow me to create more opportunities for summer jobs for kids in the area. I also do the scholarships once a year, so the grant will allow me to bless a couple more kids through my scholarships as well.' About Intuit Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With approximately 100 million customers worldwide using products such as TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us at and find us on social for the latest information about Intuit and our products and services. 1 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sponsored by Intuit. Legal residents of the 50 US (D.C.), 18+ can nominate Businesses that are located and operate in the 50 US (D.C.). Void where prohibited. Enter Contest by 5/15/26. Terms and Conditions Apply. See Official Rules for all business eligibility requirements, phase dates, and entry details, at 2 Methodology: In April 2025, Intuit QuickBooks commissioned an online survey of 4,000 US consumers age 18+. The survey focused on consumer sentiment towards small and local enterprises. Percentages have been rounded to the nearest decimal place, so values shown in data report charts and graphics may not add up to 100%. Responses were collected using Prodege audience pools and partner networks with double opt-ins and random device engagement sampling to ensure accurate targeting and results. Respondents received remuneration. Results are post-stratified against U.S. Census data.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How to watch the Los Angeles Sparks' 2025 season: Broadcast info, TV and streaming schedule
Did you realize that a Los Angeles Spark threw down the first dunk in WNBA history? And that the second dunker, six years later, also rocked that gold and purple? Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker combined to give this women's basketball franchise an undeniable and towering allure, with three championship banners (2001, 2002, 2016) in the rafters. So we've established that LA does it big. Now consider, if you will, 6-foot-4 Cameron Brink, gearing up for her exultant return from an ACL tear. Even if this year is measured by her ability to bounce back and readapt, she has a bright, long-term future as the next great Los Angeles paint presence: Brink's return will help on the boards and in the pick-and-roll, but there's still much to like about this current Sparks squad. All-Rookie teammate Rickea Jackson is poised to take a leap in her age-24 season. The supporting veterans are proven winners — Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum have a combined three rings and six All-Star nods. Summertime on Figueroa Street is forever undefeated. This 2025 season should be well worth the watch. Advertisement If finding and actually accessing these games sounds far less fun than a Plum-to-Jackson pop-out 3, that's because it is. The WNBA broadcast rotation has changed again this season, and the streaming labyrinth will continue expanding as the league adopts new media deals. It's an ultra-exciting time for fans, but it does mean more subscriptions and information to keep track of. Here's our best effort to make sense of it all, compiled specifically for Angelenos and expat LA supporters. Ensure you're following the Sparks and the WNBA at . Senior writer Chantel Jennings is a one-of-one, while Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman each cover the W with creativity, curiosity and unwavering dedication. How to stream Los Angeles Sparks broadcasts in-market Fubo (try for free) Fubo is a cable-cutting streaming platform that offers local and national channels and add-on sports packages. Any regional game on Spectrum SportsNet can be streamed with Fubo, as can the national ones on ESPN, ABC, CBS, ION and NBA TV. Advertisement What you need to watch these games: a Fubo subscription. The 'pro' plan starts at $84.99 per month, with an additional charge for 4K Ultra HD. Spectrum SportsNet LA Every team has a regional sports network, or RSN, that carries local matchups. The Sparks are on Spectrum SportsNet LA, the same RSN as the NBA's Lakers and MLB's Dodgers. Mary Murphy (analyst) and Rahshaun Haylock (play-by-play) are the Sparks' usual 1-2 punch. Nikki Kay, a UCLA grad, reports from the sidelines. SportsNet+ app Rather frustratingly, Spectrum SportsNet is not carried by all providers in the Southern California region. If switching your cable situation isn't worth the inevitable headache, you can still get regional Sparks games with SportsNet+, a standalone in-market subscription at $19.99 per month. Advertisement What you need to watch these games: Fubo, DirecTV Stream (starting $80-90 monthly), Spectrum SportsNet+ ($19.99/month). How to watch the regional broadcasts on cable or satellite What you need to watch these games: A cable or satellite package that has Spectrum SportsNet LA, like: AT&T U-verse Cox DirecTV Spectrum Catalina Broadband Solutions (Southern CA) Hawaiian Telcom (HI) How to stream out-of-market Of course, not all Sparks fans are confined to Southern California. We've got ride-or-dies far from home, plus Brink and Jackson loyalists near Stanford and Tennessee, respectively. Plum is one of the league's best-known names, and the LA media market seems to make new stars in its sleep. Advertisement WNBA League Pass is the answer for out-of-towners of all stripes. The subscription covers every regional broadcast for the regular season. Blackout restrictions are (sadly) in effect, so League Pass users in the designated LA market can't stream the Sparks live on the app. Nationally-televised games are also blacked out on the app, a consideration specifically for fans of teams with heavy national TV schedules. What you need to watch these games: WNBA League Pass ($12.99/month or $34.99 for the 2025 season). How to watch the national TV games ESPN Ryan Ruocco is the primary play-by-play anchor for 'WNBA on ESPN' programming. His call is punchy and controlled, and his love for the game bleeds through the screen. Ruocco has sharpened his product with the MLB's New York Yankees and the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, and he's narrated some of the modern classics in women's March Madness. His signature refrain, 'You bet!' gets Caitlin Clark fired up. Advertisement UConn legend Rebecca Lobo does color commentary. She played center for the Huskies during their first perfect season and 1995 national title crowning. The Hall-of-Famer suited up for the inaugural New York Liberty campaign in 1997 and played for the Connecticut Sun, plus the now-defunct Houston Comets and Springfield Spirit. Holly Rowe is the lead sideline reporter; she talks to players and coaches after the final buzzer. The network's second team features Pam Ward, LaChina Robinson and Angel Gray. Some games will be broadcast on ESPN3, a live streaming platform within ESPN's digital products (the app, the website, etc.). What you need to watch these games: a TV plan with ESPN or an ESPN+ standalone subscription, which includes ABC games (starting at $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually). Sparks games on ESPN (and ESPN+): June 29 vs. Chicago Sky Advertisement July 22 at Washington Mystics (ESPN3) August 17 at Washington Mystics (ESPN3) ABC There will be a record 13 regular-season WNBA games on ABC, plus the 2025 All-Star Game. Conference Finals and Finals play will be split between ABC and ESPN, which share the same ownership (Disney). The aforementioned ESPN talents are on the mic here, too. The ABC/ESPN pregame programming is called 'WNBA Countdown,' and it's a thoroughly radiant affair. Women's hoops expert Elle Duncan is the host. Alongside her is two-time former Spark Chiney Ogwumike. It'll be especially fun when ABC or ESPN gets a Seattle game this summer — Chiney's sister now plays for the Storm. Where was she before? Oh, right … Nneka Ogwumike is an LA living legend after her 2016 MVP and Finals-winning buzzer-beater. Advertisement Rounding out the 'big three' is Andraya Carter. She shined during the 2024 NCAA championship broadcast (which drew more viewers than the men's game) and was one of the last players to sign with Tennessee coach Pat Summitt. Other recurring personalities are Malika Andrews (host of 'NBA Today'), Monica McNutt (studio for the NBA's New York Knicks) and Carolyn Peck (Hall-of-Fame coach with a national title at Purdue). What you need to watch these games: a broadcast antenna (free). No Sparks games are currently scheduled for ABC. CBS/CBS Sports Network For the second straight year, CBS' main network will show eight regular-season WNBA matchups. This channel's 2024 rookie duel between Caitlin Clark's Fever and Angel Reese's Sky was the league's most-watched game in 23 years. CBS Sports will have an additional dozen broadcasts. Commentators include Lisa Byington (a voice of the Sky and the Milwaukee Bucks) and Jordan Kent (a three-sport collegiate athlete who played in the NFL and used to do play-by-play for the Portland Trail Blazers). Advertisement What you need to watch these games: a TV plan with CBS or a Paramount+ standalone subscription (starting at $7.99/month). Sparks games on CBS: June 11 at Las Vegas Aces (CBSSN) June 14 at Minnesota Lynx August 5 vs. Indiana Fever (CBSSN) ION The Scripps network will have Friday night doubleheaders to jump-start each summer weekend. The first one (May 16) is an absolute banger, with Paige Bueckers' official debut followed by our purple-and-gold protagonists in the first-ever Golden State Valkyries game. ION also has a WNBA studio show set in Atlanta. Cable vet Larry Smith is the host, and college basketball insiders Autumn Johnson and Meghan McKeown are in tow for breakdowns. Advertisement What you need to watch these games: a broadcast antenna (free). Sparks games on ION: May 16 at Golden State Valkyries May 23 vs. Golden State Valkyries May 30 at Las Vegas Aces June 6 at Dallas Wings August 1 at Seattle Storm August 15 at Dallas Wings August 29 vs. Indiana Fever September 5 at Atlanta Dream Prime Video Amazon's streaming service will host several WNBA broadcasts this year as it expands into the sports multiverse. Prime Video will also have the final game of the Commissioner's Cup, an in-season tournament that runs throughout the first half of the regular season. What you need to watch these games: an Amazon Prime subscription (which starts at $14.99 per month or $139 annually). Advertisement Sparks games on Prime Video: June 26 at Indiana Fever NBA TV In a fitting cross-promotion, the NBA's in-house channel will simulcast WNBA showcases throughout 2025. What you need to watch these games: a TV plan with NBA TV or WNBA League Pass. Sparks games on NBA TV: June 17 vs. Seattle Storm June 21 at Minnesota Lynx June 24 at Chicago Sky July 26 at New York Liberty July 29 vs. Las Vegas Aces August 12 vs. New York Liberty August 26 vs. Phoenix Mercury September 1 at Seattle Storm September 7 vs. Dallas Wings September 9 at Phoenix Mercury September 11 vs. Las Vegas Aces Los Angeles Sparks odds for 2025 All-time franchise leaders Points — Lisa Leslie (6263) Advertisement Rebounds — Lisa Leslie (3307) Assists — Candace Parker (1331) Blocks — Lisa Leslie (822) Steals — Nneka Ogwumike (549) Streaming and betting/odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA, Sports Business, Sports Betting, Fubo Partnership 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How to watch the Los Angeles Sparks' 2025 season: Broadcast info, TV and streaming schedule
Did you realize that a Los Angeles Spark threw down the first dunk in WNBA history? And that the second dunker, six years later, also rocked that gold and purple? Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker combined to give this women's basketball franchise an undeniable and towering allure, with three championship banners (2001, 2002, 2016) in the rafters. Advertisement So we've established that LA does it big. Now consider, if you will, 6-foot-4 Cameron Brink, gearing up for her exultant return from an ACL tear. Even if this year is measured by her ability to bounce back and readapt, she has a bright, long-term future as the next great Los Angeles paint presence: Brink's return will help on the boards and in the pick-and-roll, but there's still much to like about this current Sparks squad. All-Rookie teammate Rickea Jackson is poised to take a leap in her age-24 season. The supporting veterans are proven winners — Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum have a combined three rings and six All-Star nods. Summertime on Figueroa Street is forever undefeated. This 2025 season should be well worth the watch. If finding and actually accessing these games sounds far less fun than a Plum-to-Jackson pop-out 3, that's because it is. The WNBA broadcast rotation has changed again this season, and the streaming labyrinth will continue expanding as the league adopts new media deals. It's an ultra-exciting time for fans, but it does mean more subscriptions and information to keep track of. Here's our best effort to make sense of it all, compiled specifically for Angelenos and expat LA supporters. Ensure you're following the Sparks and the WNBA at The Athletic. Senior writer Chantel Jennings is a one-of-one, while Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman each cover the W with creativity, curiosity and unwavering dedication. Fubo is a cable-cutting streaming platform that offers local and national channels and add-on sports packages. Any regional game on Spectrum SportsNet can be streamed with Fubo, as can the national ones on ESPN, ABC, CBS, ION and NBA TV. What you need to watch these games: a Fubo subscription. The 'pro' plan starts at $84.99 per month, with an additional charge for 4K Ultra HD. Advertisement Every team has a regional sports network, or RSN, that carries local matchups. The Sparks are on Spectrum SportsNet LA, the same RSN as the NBA's Lakers and MLB's Dodgers. Mary Murphy (analyst) and Rahshaun Haylock (play-by-play) are the Sparks' usual 1-2 punch. Nikki Kay, a UCLA grad, reports from the sidelines. Rather frustratingly, Spectrum SportsNet is not carried by all providers in the Southern California region. If switching your cable situation isn't worth the inevitable headache, you can still get regional Sparks games with SportsNet+, a standalone in-market subscription at $19.99 per month. What you need to watch these games: Fubo, DirecTV Stream (starting $80-90 monthly), Spectrum SportsNet+ ($19.99/month). What you need to watch these games: A cable or satellite package that has Spectrum SportsNet LA, like: Of course, not all Sparks fans are confined to Southern California. We've got ride-or-dies far from home, plus Brink and Jackson loyalists near Stanford and Tennessee, respectively. Plum is one of the league's best-known names, and the LA media market seems to make new stars in its sleep. WNBA League Pass is the answer for out-of-towners of all stripes. The subscription covers every regional broadcast for the regular season. Blackout restrictions are (sadly) in effect, so League Pass users in the designated LA market can't stream the Sparks live on the app. Nationally-televised games are also blacked out on the app, a consideration specifically for fans of teams with heavy national TV schedules. What you need to watch these games: WNBA League Pass ($12.99/month or $34.99 for the 2025 season). Ryan Ruocco is the primary play-by-play anchor for 'WNBA on ESPN' programming. His call is punchy and controlled, and his love for the game bleeds through the screen. Ruocco has sharpened his product with the MLB's New York Yankees and the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, and he's narrated some of the modern classics in women's March Madness. His signature refrain, 'You bet!' gets Caitlin Clark fired up. Advertisement UConn legend Rebecca Lobo does color commentary. She played center for the Huskies during their first perfect season and 1995 national title crowning. The Hall-of-Famer suited up for the inaugural New York Liberty campaign in 1997 and played for the Connecticut Sun, plus the now-defunct Houston Comets and Springfield Spirit. Holly Rowe is the lead sideline reporter; she talks to players and coaches after the final buzzer. The network's second team features Pam Ward, LaChina Robinson and Angel Gray. Some games will be broadcast on ESPN3, a live streaming platform within ESPN's digital products (the app, the website, etc.). What you need to watch these games: a TV plan with ESPN or an ESPN+ standalone subscription, which includes ABC games (starting at $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually). Sparks games on ESPN (and ESPN+): There will be a record 13 regular-season WNBA games on ABC, plus the 2025 All-Star Game. Conference Finals and Finals play will be split between ABC and ESPN, which share the same ownership (Disney). The aforementioned ESPN talents are on the mic here, too. The ABC/ESPN pregame programming is called 'WNBA Countdown,' and it's a thoroughly radiant affair. Women's hoops expert Elle Duncan is the host. Alongside her is two-time former Spark Chiney Ogwumike. It'll be especially fun when ABC or ESPN gets a Seattle game this summer — Chiney's sister now plays for the Storm. Where was she before? Oh, right … Nneka Ogwumike is an LA living legend after her 2016 MVP and Finals-winning buzzer-beater. Rounding out the 'big three' is Andraya Carter. She shined during the 2024 NCAA championship broadcast (which drew more viewers than the men's game) and was one of the last players to sign with Tennessee coach Pat Summitt. Other recurring personalities are Malika Andrews (host of 'NBA Today'), Monica McNutt (studio for the NBA's New York Knicks) and Carolyn Peck (Hall-of-Fame coach with a national title at Purdue). What you need to watch these games: a broadcast antenna (free). Advertisement No Sparks games are currently scheduled for ABC. For the second straight year, CBS' main network will show eight regular-season WNBA matchups. This channel's 2024 rookie duel between Caitlin Clark's Fever and Angel Reese's Sky was the league's most-watched game in 23 years. CBS Sports will have an additional dozen broadcasts. Commentators include Lisa Byington (a voice of the Sky and the Milwaukee Bucks) and Jordan Kent (a three-sport collegiate athlete who played in the NFL and used to do play-by-play for the Portland Trail Blazers). What you need to watch these games: a TV plan with CBS or a Paramount+ standalone subscription (starting at $7.99/month). Sparks games on CBS: The Scripps network will have Friday night doubleheaders to jump-start each summer weekend. The first one (May 16) is an absolute banger, with Paige Bueckers' official debut followed by our purple-and-gold protagonists in the first-ever Golden State Valkyries game. ION also has a WNBA studio show set in Atlanta. Cable vet Larry Smith is the host, and college basketball insiders Autumn Johnson and Meghan McKeown are in tow for breakdowns. What you need to watch these games: a broadcast antenna (free). Sparks games on ION: Amazon's streaming service will host several WNBA broadcasts this year as it expands into the sports multiverse. Prime Video will also have the final game of the Commissioner's Cup, an in-season tournament that runs throughout the first half of the regular season. What you need to watch these games: an Amazon Prime subscription (which starts at $14.99 per month or $139 annually). Sparks games on Prime Video: In a fitting cross-promotion, the NBA's in-house channel will simulcast WNBA showcases throughout 2025. What you need to watch these games: a TV plan with NBA TV or WNBA League Pass. Sparks games on NBA TV: Streaming and betting/odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. (Photo by Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)
