Network rolls with onsite productions in New York and Minnesota
The Minnesota Lynx played spoiler and defeated the New York Liberty in overtime to tie the largest comeback win in WNBA Finals history at 18 points — and that was Game 1. ESPN is ready for much more of the same in this best-of-five series that features teams with the best two records in the regular season. Fans watching from home get to enjoy enhanced coverage of this championship because of the special bond between the network’s production and operations teams.
“I’ve been at ESPN for 20 years and have never been more impressed with the team covering the WNBA,” says Kate Leonard, coordinating producer, ESPN. “Everyone has been focused on this historic season, so I can’t say enough about their hard work and commitment.”
Heightened Production Quality: Cinematic Angles, Onsite Editions of WNBA Countdown
The production level is always kicked up a notch for the WNBA Playoffs and is ratcheted up even further for the Finals. This 1080p production, which debuted last year, deploys the broadcaster’s best technological workflows and resources.
Barclays Center hosted Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals on Thursday, Oct. 10.
“For the WNBA Finals,” says Adam Bryant, lead game director, ESPN, “we have several production highlights to enhance the viewing experience. Our extensive camera setup allows multiple angles, replays, and unique shots, while virtual graphics will provide dynamic stats, player highlights, and immersive storytelling elements.”
In the lower bowl, live game action is covered by more than 20 cameras. The total comprises a handful of specialty cameras: four high-speed cameras for slow-motion replay, customary above-the-rim robotics, and a shallow–depth-of-field camera provided by Faction Media roaming the court during game stoppages. The high-speed cameras, including the Sony HDC-4800, were critical in reviewing a last-second foul by Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier that allowed New York’s Breanna Stewart to make one of two free throws and force an extra period of play.
Four high-speed cameras, including a Sony HDC-4800, provide stunning images and slow-motion replay during the WNBA postseason.
Along with a shallow–depth-of-field camera, fans will be brought into the huddle and listen to each team’s strategy via mics on players and coaches. In Game 1, Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello and guard Sabrina Ionescu and Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve and guard Courtney Williams were miked.
Fans receive expert analysis from ESPN’s marquee studio show, WNBA Countdown. Its star-studded team — host LaChina Robinson and analysts Carolyn Peck, Chiney Ogwumike, and Andraya Carter — will be onsite at either Barclays Center or Target Center for the length of the series. Elle Duncan will have hosting duties for Sunday’s Game 2 in Brooklyn. Host Sam Ravech will split his time between two digital-centric programs: WNBA Hoop Stream with analyst Ari Chambers on YouTube and WNBA the Wrap-Up with appearances by analysts Maria Marino, Monica McNutt, and Chambers on the ESPN App, YouTube, and Facebook. The trio of play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco, analyst Rebecca Lobo, and reporter Holly Rowe will call each game.
A shallow–depth-of-field camera captures cinematic shots near the court.
As for storylines, the key to a compelling broadcast during the playoffs is understanding what information fans are interested in. The most complex part is not being entirely sure who the two teams will be in the finals with little time to rehearse the talking points. One team, the New York Liberty, made quick work of the back-to-back champions Las Vegas Aces in four semifinal games. The Minnesota Lynx, on the other hand, had to win Game 4 over the Connecticut Sun on the East Coast to force a Game 5 at home on Oct. 8. With not much turnaround time, ESPN followed the Lynx from Minneapolis to Brooklyn, NY, on Oct. 9 for the first game of the championship series on Oct. 10. Lead Game Producer Ian Gruca had to keep his eyes on the already clinched Liberty and the two teams battling it out on the other side of the bracket.
“We spent a lot of time discussing and preparing storylines for all potential scenarios,” he says. “When you’re a sports fan, you always hope it goes to all five games and comes down to the buzzer to determine a champion, but we strive to be prepared for the storylines that we know and react in real time to the developing storylines on the court.”
Atlantic Avenue Return: Ops Crew Benefits From Two Straight Years in Brooklyn
ESPN will have a slight case of déjà vu during the WNBA Finals: Barclays Center hosted Games 3 and 4 of last year’s title bout. If the Sun defeated the Lynx in one of the two remaining games in this year’s semifinals, there was the potential for producing Games 3 and 4 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT — which is 63 miles southwest of ESPN headquarters in Bristol, CT. This would have permitted a greater number of staffers to work the games and be able to easily drive back to the Bristol facility, but the Lynx won two straight and made that a moot point. Besides, Barclays Center is within driving distance of Bristol and is a familiar environment for this slate of games.
“Returning to Brooklyn for a second straight season has certainly provided advantages,” says Catherine Chalfant, manager, remote production operations, ESPN. “We have the added benefit of having many team members who were part of ESPN’s Women’s Final Four coverage in Minnesota in 2022. Familiarity with producing championships in both venues helps streamline logistics and allows us to effectively coordinate important features like the studio-set location, compound logistics, and align on venue needs.”
The complement of specialty cameras includes above-the-rim robotics.
The network has opted for full onsite productions, which pose an operational challenge in determining the equipment for each venue and providing ample support for both cities. ESPN is partnering with Live Media Group to deploy a pair of production trucks. In addition to that relationship, the operations team has a rapport with each venue’s dedicated ops team as well.
“Our strong relationships with the venue and league partners allow smoother operations,” says Chalfant. “Collectively, we are able to learn from past experiences, anticipate challenges and opportunities, and plan and execute successfully together.”
MU-15 A, B, and C units were in New York for Thursday’s Game 1 and potential Game 5 on Sunday, Oct. 20; and MU-14 A, B, and C units will be in Minnesota for that portion of the series. Viz Libero telestration is being integrated from the Bristol-based facility.
Shared Passion: ESPN Relies on Camaraderie for Most-Watched Playoffs in 25 Years
Continuous growth and gradual momentum have become two staples of the WNBA’s impact in professional sports. This year’s postseason logged an average of 970,000 viewers across the previous 17 games before the WNBA Finals Game 1, up 142% from last year’s postseason and the most-watched postseason across ESPN networks since the W’s inaugural season in 1997.
“The WNBA Playoffs have been fast and exciting,” adds Leonard. “The record-setting ratings show that our fans are engaged with the coverage and pursuit of the 2024 WNBA Championship.”
ESPN’s marquee studio show, WNBA Countdown, travels to each playoff venue.
This powerful rise has caused positive ripple effects throughout the league: the Golden State Valkyries will begin play in 2025, and expansion franchises have been announced in two other cities — Toronto in May, Portland in September — and will begin play in 2026. With Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s goal of a 16-team league, one more city will receive a club in the near future.
Prior to Thursday’s Game 1, Engelbert announced additional changes that will affect regular-season and postseason schedules: four additional regular-season games stretch the total from 40 to 44, the first round of the playoffs will incorporate a 1-1-1 format rather than the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2, and the WNBA Finals will go from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven series.
As always, stellar play on the court has spurred both the increase in viewership and amendments to the league calendar. For example: Aces star A’ja Wilson secured her third MVP in four years and became the first-ever player to score 1,000 points in a single season, Caitlin Clark broke numerous records on her way to being named 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and Angel Reese transitioned her skills from the college to the professional ranks and set a new mark for rebounds per game in a season.
“The entire 2024 WNBA season has been must-see TV, and it has carried over into the playoffs,” says Gruca. “Now we get to cover a matchup where history will be made: either New York will win their first championship in franchise history, or Minnesota will set a record by winning their fifth title.”
Studio programming covering the championship series includes WNBA Hoop Streams with Sam Ravech and Ari Chambers.
On the broadcasting side, the league’s televised product on a national scale is hitting its stride. At ESPN, it’s testament to the collaboration, communication, and willingness to work together toward a common vision.
“Our production and operations teams have been in lockstep throughout the entire season and playoffs,” says Bryant. “Everyone on the team is flexible and adaptable, which allows us to work together to find solutions to challenges. Most important, a shared passion for the WNBA helps guide and inform our strategy and execution.”
Game 2 of the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx tips off on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN Deportes. Game 3 will air on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. on ESPN. If necessary, Game 4 will be on Friday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. on ESPN, and Game 5 will be on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
