WNBA Countdown is ESPN’s dedicated pregame program for its WNBA game coverage. It airs immediately before each WNBA broadcast on ABC or ESPN, typically running for one hour. In its earlier years, the show appeared only for select high-profile games, including the WNBA Finals. Over time, as ESPN’s commitment to the WNBA grew, so did the show’s footprint — expanding from 14 regular-season editions in 2025 to at least 24 editions in 2026.
The show covers pregame storylines, matchup breakdowns, and player features. During the WNBA Finals and playoff rounds, it airs directly from the game site, with the broadcast desk set up at court level for the first time in 2025. The expanded 2026 format also introduced a halftime edition hosted by Hannah Storm, adding another layer of studio coverage.
Elle Duncan served as the primary host of WNBA Countdown on ABC through the 2025 season. Following Duncan’s departure to Netflix in December 2025, Malika Andrews took over as lead host for the 2026 season. Andrews is based in ESPN’s Los Angeles studios, giving the show a West Coast anchor to complement its Bristol and on-site productions.
The show’s analyst core of Andraya Carter, Chiney Ogwumike, and Monica McNutt has been in place since 2025. All three analysts returned for the expanded 2026 season. The 2026 coverage also marks the start of a new 11-year media rights agreement between ESPN and the WNBA, running through 2036.
