​The 2026 WNBA playoffs tipped off Sunday with an ABC doubleheader, and ESPN has set two three-person game crews and a studio team for its first-round games. Coming off a historic regular season where ESPN broadcasts averaged a record-breaking 1.37 million viewers (a 17% jump from last year), the network is relying heavily on a proven formula. Unlike the aggressive roster shakeups seen across other sports media outlets, ESPN is prioritizing continuity within its live game booths while introducing a refreshed look to its flagship studio desk.Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo and Holly Rowe lead ESPN’s game coverageAccording to ESPN, Ryan Ruocco is set to handle play-by-play for ESPN’s main game crew, alongside analyst Rebecca Lobo and sideline reporter Holly Rowe. The network’s opening-day doubleheader on ABC began at 2 p.m. ET with the second crew –Tiffany Greene, Carolyn Peck, and Angel Gray — calling Game 1 between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty. Ruocco, Lobo, and Rowe took over at 4 p.m. ET for the Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces game.Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; ESPN broadcast crew (from left) Chiney Ogwumike, Ryan Ruocco, Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, Holly Rowe and Elle Duncan during the Phoenix Mercury against the Las Vegas Aces in game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesRuocco is in his 14th season calling WNBA games, and this primary trio has worked together for 14 years. Ruocco credits their off-court friendship for their on-air chemistry, calling Lobo “as good as any analyst in any sport in the country.”Coming off its most-watched regular season ever, ESPN’s @WNBA postseason tips off Sunday on ABC 1:30p ET | WNBA Countdown Presented by Google Pixel 2p ET | @nyliberty–@minnesotalynx 4p ET | @IndianaFever–@LVAcesMore: https://t.co/BuH9xFkEzRpic.twitter.com/ybdkQ7YOfG— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) September 25, 2026Greene, Peck, and Gray will also cover the rest of the best-of-three first round. After Tuesday’s games air on Prime Video and USA Network, the second crew returns to ESPN for a Wednesday, Sept. 30 doubleheader. They will call Game 2 of the Atlanta Dream at Washington Mystics at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings at 9 p.m. ET. If needed, deciding Game 3s will air on Oct. 1 and 2 on ESPN and ESPN2.WNBA Countdown team and scheduleWNBA Countdown broadcasts pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Connecticut, and Los Angeles. Malika Andrews hosts the show alongside analysts Andraya Carter, Chiney Ogwumike, and Monica McNutt. Veteran broadcaster Hannah Storm will also host two postseason editions.The program aired at 1:30 p.m. ET on ABC before Sunday’s opening doubleheader. It returns this Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both broadcasts are available to stream live on the ESPN App. Additionally, ESPN Deportes provides Spanish-language coverage for select first-round games a