Watch the 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft Live on ESPN: Malika Andrews Hosts Legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon
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This match took place on 15 July 2026.
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Watch the 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft live on ESPN in the US and via ESPN Unlimited, with UK viewers able to tune in at 20:30 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 [1][9]. The 30-minute special, hosted by prominent NBA and WNBA broadcaster Malika Andrews, features Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon acting as honorary general managers to draft the rosters for the upcoming 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago [1][12]. This exclusive broadcast marks a significant moment in the league's 30th season celebration, as two of the greatest players in history select the teams that will compete at the United Center on 25 July [12].
For American audiences, the event airs on ESPN from 3:30–4:00 p.m. ET, while fans in the UK can access the coverage through the designated ESPN channel at 8:30 p.m. local time [1]. The broadcast does not rely on the world feed or British Sky Sports for this specific draft event, ensuring exclusive presentation by ESPN's dedicated studio team in Los Angeles [1]. The upcoming All-Star Game itself will be broadcast on ABC on 25 July at 8:30 p.m. ET, but the draft selection process is uniquely reserved for the main ESPN channel [1][8].
Malika Andrews serves as the programme's presenter, bringing her extensive experience as the host of both NBA Today and WNBA Countdown to the role [1]. Andrews, a former ESPN anchor who broke barriers as the first woman to host the NBA Draft, has become a central figure in basketball broadcasting, known for her sharp interviewing style and deep knowledge of the league [1]. Her presence ensures the draft is covered with the same high standard seen in major NBA and WNBA coverage throughout the year.
The punditry team consists of two legendary figures: Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon. Cynthia Cooper, a four-time WNBA champion and two-time WNBA Finals MVP, led the Houston Comets to the league's first four titles and is widely regarded as one of the most dominant scorers in the game's history [1]. She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and has since transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, serving as a respected analyst for Prime Video and other networks [10]. Teresa Weatherspoon, a Hall of Fame inductee and two-time WNBA All-Star, is best known for her iconic steal and layup in the 1999 Finals and her legendary career with the New York Liberty and Charlotte Sting [1]. Weatherspoon, who also served as head coach of the Liberty, brings decades of tactical insight and historical perspective to the draft, having been a key figure in the league's early expansion years [1].
The draft will determine the starting lineups and benches for the Team Cooper and Team Weatherspoon rosters, which will feature the 22 selected All-Stars including top players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, and Aliyah Boston [4][12]. The selection process is expected to be a highlight of the pre-game festivities, with both legends drawing from the pool of elite players to create competitive and entertaining matchups for the Saturday game [2][12]. Fans can follow the official WNBA announcements for starter confirmations and final roster updates as the draft progresses [4].
Viewers interested in the broader context of the WNBA 2026 season or specific player stats can visit the official WNBA website for comprehensive coverage and team information [12]. As the league celebrates its 30th anniversary, this draft event underscores the deep connection between the sport's past and present, with Hall of Famers guiding the next generation of stars toward the All-Star spotlight [12].
Article generated: 15 July 2026, 20:55 GMT