Versant is bringing one of E!‘s flagship formats to one of USA Sports‘ biggest events.
E! will present Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals live on Monday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT from Chase Center in San Francisco, ahead of game two of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries.
Lilly Singh will host the coverage, joined in a panel by comedian Wanda Sykes (The Upshaws), WNBA legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Tina Thompson and WNBA player stylist Brittany Hampton. USA Sports’ WNBA court side reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby will also contribute to the coverage, interviewing players as they arrive at the venue.
“Audiences can expect engaging conversations highlighting the athletes, trailblazers and tastemakers who have helped redefine professional women’s sports, as well as the personalities and stories shaping the league’s influence both on and off the court,” the company says.
The program is a significant expansion on the red carpet format that E! pioneered, with a focus on the fashion and culture around events like the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, and other cultural events. For Versant, it is also an example of how the company is hoping to spread its franchises across the portfolio. The WNBA Finals are arguably the biggest sports event in Versant’s USA Sports portfolio.
Both the orange carpet show and the game will be simulcast across USA, E! and CNBC for maximum impact.
“When entertainment is having a moment, Live from E! is there and we’re thrilled to expand that expertise to USA Sports for one of the WNBA’s biggest nights,” said Val Boreland, president of entertainment for Versant. “With Lilly and Wanda and this incredible lineup of talent, Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals will bring E!’s signature live event coverage and pop culture lens to celebrate the players and cultural influence that make the league so electric both on and off the court.”
Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Seth Dudowsky serving as executive producers and Shaun Smith serving as showrunner.