Key information, including time, TV and team selection order, for 2020 WNBA Draft
The 2020 WNBA Draft will commence Friday night under the most unusual and difficult circumstances. It might also be a test case for other sports drafts — including the NFL draft — to come this year.
With the coronavirus pandemic shutting down all live sports and social gatherings disbanded as the world tries to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the WNBA will conduct its 24th draft remotely — without players, guests and media.
The 2020 draft was originally scheduled to be held in-person in New York City, but the league altered its plans in late March.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will now announce the draft picks live from a remote location with numerous first-round picks slated join the telecast via remote set-ups.
THIS WILL BE WEIRD:How’s the WiFi? Princeton star Bella Alarie preparing at home for strangest WNBA draft
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What you need to know about the 2020 WNBA Draft:
WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN.
— Ryan Ruocco will host ESPN’s studio coverage from Bristol, Connecticut, along with analyst and Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo and longtime WNBA star Sue Bird. Holly Rowe will join the coverage remotely to contribute inside information from her time covering women’s college basketball and the WNBA.
SETUP: The draft consists of three rounds with 12 picks per round. The New York Liberty hold the No. 1 pick and are expected to select Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.
MORE COVERAGE:
- New York and Dallas set for big hauls in 2020 WNBA Draft
- Likely No. 1 pick Ionescu ready to take talents from Oregon to NYC
- Reigning champs Mystics land seven-time All-Star in pre-draft trade
- First WNBA player to test positive for COVID-19 shares her ordeal
- WNBA’s Allie Quigley takes down Chris Paul in ESPN HORSE competition
SPECIAL MENTION: During the draft broadcast, the WNBA will honor Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester – who tragically died in a helicopter accident on Jan. 26 along with former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. The WNBA also plans to honor Bryant, who was a passionate advocate of the league.
