The WNBA schedule was released on Monday after a hectic two months of planning. In spite of the coronavirus pandemic and societal unrest, it appears we will finally see some women’s basketball this summer!
The New York Liberty, whose roster includes Sabrina Ionescu — the player many fans are most excited to see after her unprecedented collegiate accomplishments — have 16 games that will be on national TV out of a total of 22. Ionescu is the only Division I college basketball player (man or woman) to ever reach 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists.
Three of the league’s championship front-runners — Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks — along with the up-and-coming Dallas Wings, will be televised on national TV 13 times. The Wings feature star scorer Arike Ogunbowale and Ionescu’s Oregon Ducks teammate, Satou Sabally, who some believe is the most pro-ready player out of all the league’s rookies. Sabally was the No. 2 pick in the draft and has almost as much hype surrounding her as Ionescu does.
The Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever, who both lack true superstars, are tied with seven nationally televised games — the least out of all 12 teams.
Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing matchups of the upcoming 2020 WNBA season.
Seattle Storm vs. New York Liberty
All games will be played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
When: Saturday, July 25, at 12 p.m. ET
How to watch: ESPN
Reason to watch: This is the highly anticipated debut of No. 1 overall pick Sabrina Ionescu, who will play against Breanna Stewart of the Storm in her comeback from injury after missing the 2019 season with a torn Achilles.
Washington Mystics vs. Connecticut Sun
When: Tuesday, July 28, at 7 p.m. ET
How to watch: WNBA League Pass
Reason to watch: This is a rematch of the 2019 WNBA Finals, which the Mystics won in five games. Both teams have lost talent due to free agency movies and opt-outs. Still, with the addition of DeWanna Bonner, the Sun could continue stoking the budding rivalry in the East.
Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx
When: Friday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m. ET
How to watch: WNBA League Pass
Reason to watch: Teaira McCowan, a 6-foot-8 center, is expected to have a breakout season for the Fever. She’ll test her skills in the paint against 6-foot-6 champion Sylvia Fowles.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces
When: Friday, Aug. 7 at 9 p.m. ET
How to watch: ESPN2
Reason to watch: This is a matchup of the best in the West from the 2019 season. Both teams are loaded with talent, and it will be interesting to see if Angel McCoughtry’s bet pays off.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Dallas Wings
When: Monday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. ET
How to watch: ESPN2
Reason to watch: Skylar Diggins-Smith of the Mercury faces her former team for the first time, while also going up against fellow guard and Notre Dame alum Arike Ogunbowale.
Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream
When: Sunday, Aug. 16, at 4 p.m.
How to watch: WNBA League Pass
Reason to watch: This is a late-season matchup between two teams that could be competing for a playoff spot.