There was a time when the Seattle Storm walked into every postseason carrying the weight of being the favorites. Championships felt almost expected, and opponents knew they were in for a battle. But times have changed. But those dynasty years, powered by legends like Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, and Jewell Loyd, now belong to the past. Still, when the WNBA playoffs roll around, hope always follows the Storm. Fans can’t help but wonder if they might rise again. And this year, the stage is set for a Round 1 showdown that feels like a story in itself. It’s Las Vegas Aces vs Seattle Storm

This game brings back plenty of memories. Just last season, the Storm’s trio of Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Jewell Loyd couldn’t find an answer for the Aces, falling in both games of their first-round series. History hasn’t been too kind either. Everyone remembers the 2022 semifinals, when Seattle snatched Game 1 before dropping the next three, marking the end of an era as Sue Bird retired and Breanna Stewart left for New York. The Aces have had the upper hand in recent years, but it’s hard not to wonder–could this series spark shades of the 2020 Finals, when the Storm reigned supreme?

Well, to help build even more excitement for this upcoming series, ESPN has pulled together a special crew to set the stage and break it all down for fans.

ESPN Broadcast Team for Aces vs. Storm Game 1

ESPN has announced a three-person crew to bring fans full coverage of the WNBA playoffs Game 1 between the Aces and the Storm. Mark Jones, Carolyn Peck, and Vanessa Richardson will be on the call. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Mark Jones: If you’re a Sacramento Kings fan, you already know the voice. Jones has been with ESPN since 1990, making him one of the network’s most seasoned voices. He’s called it all, from NBA games to college football, always bringing the energy that keeps fans locked in.

Carolyn Peck: Does she even need an introduction? Peck made history in 1999 when she became the first African American coach to win a women’s Division I basketball national championship, leading Purdue to the title. Her coaching journey also took her to the WNBA, where she spent three years with the Orlando Miracle. Since 2006-07, she’s been breaking down the game as an ESPN analyst — and let’s be honest, nobody sees the game quite like a coach.

Vanessa Richardson: If you tuned into ESPN’s NBA playoffs coverage this season, you definitely noticed her. Richardson is the sideline reporter for the Houston Rockets on Space City Home Network, and now she’s taking on both the NBA and WNBA playoffs for ESPN. It’s a clear sign of her remarkable rise in the industry and the trust ESPN has in her voice.

Commentary Style of the ESPN Team

The trio of Mark, Carolyn, and Vanessa makes for a pretty unique team. Mark has a knack for breaking down even the most complex plays in a way that feels effortless. Carolyn brings that unmatched depth only a coach can provide. And when it comes to storytelling, can anyone really do it better than Vanessa?

ESPN’s Coverage of the Las Vegas Aces vs Seattle Storm Game 1

The WNBA has now confirmed that ESPN will have exclusive coverage of the entire WNBA playoffs. And for the opening-round showdown between the Aces and Storm, the schedule is locked in for all three potential games.

• Game 1 – Sunday, Sep. 14 at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas
• Game 2 – Tuesday, Sep. 16 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
• Game 3 – Thursday, Sep. 18 at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

For those planning to kick back with the remote, tip-off is set for 10 p.m. EDT. You can catch all the action live on ESPN and across its digital platforms.