The New York Liberty are on the verge of making history as they lead 2-1 in their WNBA Finals series against the Minnesota Lynx. Game 3 ended in a thrilling 80-77 win for the Liberty, with Sabrina Ionescu sealing the victory with a dramatic three-pointer from near half-court, leaving only one second on the clock. The excitement surrounding the series is reflected in its viewership numbers, which have shattered records. According to USA Today’s Cydney Henderson, the first two games of this year’s finals averaged 1.24 million viewers, marking an impressive 82% rise from last year’s matchup between the Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces.
After the intense Game 3, ESPN analyst and former WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike shared her thoughts on the series, tweeting that the Finals have been pure “blood pressure.” The back-and-forth nature of the games has undoubtedly kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ogwumike, well-known for her in-depth analysis and passionate commentary, has been a key figure in ESPN’s coverage of the WNBA.
In the midst of the Finals, ESPN announced it has signed Ogwumike to a multi-year contract extension, securing her expertise and insight for years to come. Although the financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, this move highlights Ogwumike’s value as one of the top WNBA analysts. A former player for the Connecticut Sun and the Los Angeles Sparks, she has a decorated seven-year career that includes winning Rookie of the Year in 2014 and being selected as a two-time All-Star. Beyond the WNBA, Ogwumike also serves as an analyst for ESPN’s NBA and women’s college basketball coverage.
In addition to renewing Ogwumike’s contract, ESPN has also extended the contracts of her colleagues Monika McNutt and Kendrick Perkins, further strengthening their roster of basketball analysts. This development comes as the network continues to elevate its coverage of women’s sports, particularly as the WNBA garners more attention and record-breaking viewership.
As Game 4 approaches, the WNBA Finals have captured the hearts of basketball fans, with each game delivering nail-biting finishes. With the Liberty just one win away from securing their first-ever championship, all eyes are on the final stretch of this historic series.
