The 12th annual WNBA All-Star Game—which will be played on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST—will feature an unprecedented level of in-game access, in including on-court camera access, wireless HD Ref Cams and live microphones on players and coaches. Check out the full details below:
The Boost Mobile WNBA All-Star Game 2013 will showcase the league’s top players with several live-access elements throughout the ABC broadcast on Saturday, July 27, at 3:30 p.m. Ryan Ruocco will have the call of the game with analyst Rebecca Lobo and reporter Holly Rowe.
The 2013 event marks the third All-Star Game hosted by the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., which also served as the home for the event in 2005 and 2009, as well as the “Stars at the Sun” matchup between league all-stars and Team USA in 2010.
ESPN3 – and via the ESPN3 player on espnW.com – will stream team practices on Friday, July 26, from 3-5 p.m. Coverage will include audio from microphones worn by the two All-Star head coaches. SportsCenter will provide live look-ins from the practices.
WNBA All-Star Game Highlights
In-game Access
ABC will have extensive access to the All-Star Game participants.
• Live interviews with WNBA players and coaches before and after the game, as well as coming in and out of halftime
• Rowe will have in-game access to both the Eastern and Western Conference benches, conducting interviews with players
• Studio show anchor Randy Scott will have live access to players in the locker rooms during halftime
• On-court camera access during the action, specifically free throws and dead ball situations
Ref Cam
The Ref Cam will appear during the WNBA All-Star Game, after a successful debut during the June 8 ABC broadcast of the Phoenix Mercury at Indiana Fever. Grabbing a unique perspective, the eye-level camera allows viewers to virtually be on the court as the referee’s first-person perspective is incorporated into the live broadcast in real time.
• It is a wireless high definition, mini point of view camera paired with an HD mini transmitter
• The fully remote system includes a vest, which will be worn underneath the official’s shirt, and contains the transmitter and batteries that provide the power and video
Live Microphones
• A total of four players – one per half from each team
• Head coaches of each team will also wear a live microphone
