Who Are the ESPN Commentators for WNBA Playoff Game 1 Between Phoenix Mercury vs. NY Liberty?

The defending champion New York Liberty walk into the desert tonight carrying both their crown and their scars, while the Phoenix Mercury welcome them with a home-court edge and a season series already in their pocket. HC Nate Tibbetts didn’t sugarcoat it: “They’re the champs until somebody else beats them.” Translation here is that Phoenix wants to be that somebody.

But context makes this clash even more interesting. The Mercury barely missed out on climbing the bracket. They slipped against L.A. on Sept. 9, yet they still pocketed the season series 3-1 over New York. The Liberty, meanwhile, limped through late-summer turbulence, juggling injuries to Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones before finally flashing a clean report on Sept. 8, their first since May. Consistency vanished in that stretch, lowlighted by an 80-63 loss to these very Mercury.

Alyssa Thomas framed it bluntly: “They’re really big and clearly they’re reigning champs. For us, it’s about playing our game.” Which is exactly why Tibbetts half-joked about New York’s rotations and confidence being “a little messed up” heading into the postseason. Still, there’s no mistaking his real point: Phoenix wants New York at its best. So, here we are: Game 1, Liberty at Mercury, 5 p.m. ET on ESPN. A matchup this layered deserves voices just as compelling to guide us through… So who’s calling it for us?

ESPN Broadcast Team for Mercury vs. Liberty Game 1

ESPN has rolled out a three-person crew for WNBA Playoffs’ Game 1 in Phoenix: Pam Ward on play-by-play, LaChina Robinson providing color commentary, and Angel Gray reporting from the sidelines.

Pam Ward: If you have been following women’s sports on ESPN, the chances are that you’ve heard her call. Ward joined the network back in 1996 and went on to break barriers in 2000 as the first woman to call a Division I college football game. From WNBA Shootaround to the NFL on ESPN Radio, she’s done it all. She did it while bringing in home awards like CoSIDA’s Jake Wade Award for her impact on sports media.

LaChina Robinson: A familiar and respected voice in women’s basketball, Robinson has built her reputation as one of the sharpest analysts in the game. She’s been a constant presence breaking down matchups, storylines, and player development across ESPN platforms.

Angel Gray: She is a rising star in the booth. Gray joined ESPN in 2022 and has quickly become a fixture across women’s basketball broadcasts. A former Florida State standout, she pairs her on-court experience with polished play-by-play and reporting roles for the Atlanta Dream, Cavaliers, and Sparks. Whether it’s on ION, Bally Sports, or ESPN, Gray’s voice never fails to bring out a player’s perspective.

Commentary Style of the ESPN Team

For the viewers tonight, Pam Ward will bring a steady, veteran voice with a reputation for clean, energetic play-by-play that will keep the action clear and sharp. LaChina Robinson will lean into the analysis part of it. You can expect her to be adding depth with her coach-like eye for schemes, adjustments, and momentum shifts. Angel Gray will bring a player’s perspective and an engaging storytelling flair. She is known for often grounding the broadcast in what athletes are feeling on the court.

All three have been part of ESPN’s coverage of WNBA playoff battles in recent years. Together, their blend of experience, perspective, and energy will make you feel like you are inside the intensity of the moment.

ESPN’s Coverage of the Mercury vs. Liberty Game 1

The WNBA has confirmed ESPN will have exclusive coverage of the 2025 playoffs, and the first-round clash between the Phoenix Mercury and defending champion New York Liberty now has its schedule set.

• Game 1: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2 p.m. MST / 5 p.m. ET at PHX Arena (ESPN)
• Game 2: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5 p.m. MST / 8 p.m. ET in New York (ESPN)
• Game 3 (if necessary): Friday, Sept. 19, back at PHX Arena, time and TV TBD

So tune in and get your remotes, iPads, and laptops ready, because this series promises the kind of playoff drama you won’t want to miss.