Credit: ESPN, Kirby Lee - Imagn Images, Isis Young, USA Network, Prime Video Sean Keeley Wed, October 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTC · 7 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WNBA is getting ready to crown its 2026 champion as the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries prepare to meet in the Finals.
Before that happens, let's crown the 2026 champion of WNBA national broadcasting teams.
Last year, we asked you to grade the league's local announcers . NBC, ESPN/ABC, CBS, ION, USA Network, and Prime Video all posted solid, sometimes record-breaking numbers in their WNBA coverage this season. Given how much the WNBA's TV audience has grown, we thought it was the ideal time to find out what you think of the league's national broadcasters.
We asked Awful Announcing readers to evaluate every national TV broadcast crew, assign each a grade from A to F, and share comments. The results are below with a few caveats. We didn't include ION in the grades because they simulcast the home team's announcers. Also, while the other networks rotate announcers, analysts, and reporters throughout the season, ESPN/ABC had three dedicated broadcasting trios that worked independently, so we graded them separately.
The rankings are listed below, from No. 7 to No. 1. Each entry lists the network, its primary play-by-play announcer, primary analyst(s), notable substitute broadcasters, and game reporters.
Most common grade: B (35.9% of votes) Percentage of A/B/C grades: 80.1%
While the WNBA on CBS crew ranked last, we want to recognize that they received a majority of positive grades and comments. In fact, our WNBA graders are much nicer than our NFL/MLB/NBA/CFB/CBB graders in general, FWIW.
Anchored by "a star on the rise" Isis "Ice" Young, this broadcast team was seen as an "underrated group" that "met the moment" during high-profile games. Debbie Antonelli (who will show up in the rankings a lot) "knows what is what" and is "awesome." However, erratic broadcast scheduling stifled grades, with one fan complaining that "it was always random when their games were on." Viewers were also split on play-by-play caller Jordan Kent. Some found that he has "a great voice" and "makes the games so exciting," while others pleaded, "STOP YELLING AT ME!!!"
"Really like Isis and her energy. She gives good takes," said one grader.
Most common grade: B (36.3% of votes) Percentage of A/B/C grades: 80.5%
Admirers called Debbie Antonelli "one of the best color commentators in women's basketball" and described Beth Mowins as "excellent" at her craft. On the flip side, critics labeled the broadcast "bland" and "dry," with several viewers complaining that Antonelli can be "incredibly biased" during game calls. Appreciation for Brooke Weisbrod included a desire for her to do some color commentary. Described as a "step behind" ESPN's lead broadcast teams, the group polarized audiences with its more traditional tone and perceived bias toward the Indiana Fever.
"Another solid group, always gonna be a fan of a group of all women-broadcasters," added one grader.
Most common grade: B (32.1% of votes) Percentage of A/B/C grades: 83.1%
Celebrated as a "classy group" that is "very knowledgeable and [has] the best chemistry," this broadcasting team stands out for its high energy and objectivity. Viewers loved that Tiffany Greene "makes the game come alive with her intellect," while Coach Carolyn Peck was highlighted for her "folksy style" and "breakdown of plays." A few comments felt the booth had "slow commentary" or could "talk over each other on occasion," but most appreciated them as a "solid crew."
"The most professional announcer team. Solid analysis of the game and opinions. They do not talk non-stop," added one grader.
Most common grade: B (36.8% of votes) Percentage of A/B/C grades: 86.4%
Some graders regard this iconic trio as "the standard" with "terrific chemistry," with fans calling Holly Rowe "the GOAT" and Ryan Ruocco "a pro's pro." However, the booth sparked significant backlash over perceived team bias, with numerous respondents claiming they are "extremely biased toward Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever." Still, loyal viewers maintain they are "as good as any trio in any sport" and "fit together like a well-manufactured puzzle."
"They are comfortable with each other, make the broadcast fun, talk about the game (unless a blowout), and generally are extremely likable without trying to [be]," said one grader.
Most common grade: B (36.8% of votes) Percentage of A/B/C grades: 86.4%
Lauded for having the "best broadcasting package" and a "terrific" studio team, NBC's coverage was widely viewed as "a breath of fresh air to the WNBA." Graders praised Noah Eagle as "one of the best," called Zora Stephenson "smooth and prepared," and described LaChina Robinson as "classy, knowledgeable, and fun." Critical feedback was minimal, though a few people felt some announcers "don't provide as much substance" or occasionally sound "like a podcast on TV."
"I'm glad basketball is back on NBC; I wish they would have more games," said one grader.
Most common grade: B (33.8% of votes) Percentage of A/B/C grades: 83.3%
Hailed as the "best blend of PBP talent and informative former players," this broadcasting lineup benefits from Michael Grady's "big game feel" and Kara Lawson's ability to "[hold] class every broadcast." Fans applauded the network for delivering an "A+ production" with "great analysis," though opinions on Candace Parker ranged from "refreshing bc she is actually critical" to "tends to be very biased." Despite minor complaints that there are "way too many faces," several graders consider Prime's coverage "the best in the business."
"Huge upgrade compared to Prime's prior WNBA coverage," one grader said. "A+ production. Great analysis. Top-notch game calls. My favorite out of the national broadcasts."
Most common grade: B (33.4% of votes) Percentage of A/B/C grades: 87.8%
Praised as the "best new fresh faces that have been covering the league," the USA Network crew earned rave reviews for its "great information" and ability to ask "very intelligent basketball questions." Graders singled out sideline reporter Paris Lawson as a "superstar in the making" and applauded Terrika Foster-Brasby as "such a gem, always a treat when she is on the team." While a few viewers noted that "production is hit and miss" or felt the broadcast gave off "local TV" vibes, most agreed it was a "very solid first year" for the network.
"Love the USA broadcast team," said one grader. "I also like the studio team (including Renee Montgomery and Elle Duncan). Terrika and Tamika are two of my favs!"
The post Awful Announcing's 2026 WNBA national broadcaster rankings appeared first on Awful Announcing .
Source: Sports
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