Thirty years after calling the first WNBA game on ESPN, Robin Roberts and Geno Auriemma are coming back. The legendary duo will reunite for a one-night-only telecast on Tuesday, July 7, at 8 p.m. ET.
What We Know: The Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty matchup will air on ESPN. Roberts and Auriemma will join play-by-play commentator Beth Mowins for the broadcast. In addition, the game celebrates the WNBA’s 30th season. On June 23, 1997, Roberts and Auriemma called ESPN’s first-ever WNBA game, introducing the league to a national television audience for the very first time.
What They Said: Tim Corrigan, ESPN Senior Vice President, Sports Production: “Robin and Geno were there at the beginning. Helping tell the story of a groundbreaking new league that would forever change the landscape of women’s sports. Bringing them back together for one night is a fitting way to honor the league’s history, recognize its extraordinary growth and showcase the stars who continue to elevate the game today.”
Robin Roberts: “When Geno and I sat together for that first ESPN WNBA broadcast in 1997, we knew we were witnessing something special. To reunite with Geno and celebrate the WNBA’s 30th season alongside Beth is truly an honor. It’s incredible to reflect on how far the league has come and the bright future ahead.”
Geno Auriemma: “I’ve been fortunate to spend most of my life around women’s basketball. When Robin and I called that first WNBA game, it felt like the beginning of something that could change the sport forever. Thirty seasons later, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch this league become what it is. Being able to reunite with Robin, a broadcasting legend and lifelong supporter of our game, and celebrate this milestone is a reminder of how far the game has come and how many people have helped elevate it along the way.”
What Remains Unclear: Additional details surrounding ESPN’s full coverage plans for the special presentation have not yet been announced. It’s also unclear whether Roberts and Auriemma will take on expanded roles beyond this single broadcast. Roberts is currently executive producing ESPN Originals’ upcoming docuseries Setting the Tempo, which follows the WNBA’s newest franchise, the Toronto Tempo.
What It Means: This broadcast is more than a nostalgia play. ESPN is using the WNBA’s 30th milestone to spotlight the league’s remarkable rise since its 1997 debut. Moreover, much like NBC with the NBA, we’ve seen networks work on throwback broadcasts to increase interest in mid-season competition. Pairing two iconic voices from that inaugural telecast with a marquee matchup signals how seriously the network views women’s basketball today. It also could be an audition of sorts for Auriemma, who is entering his 41st season at UCONN.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
