This summer, South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley is set to transition from the court to the studio as an analyst for CBS Sports' new WNBA pregame show. The program debuts this Saturday before a historic primetime matchup between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky. With her extensive coaching background and three national championships under her belt, Staley brings valuable insights to the broadcast team alongside former player Renee Montgomery and host Sarah Kustok. This marks a significant moment in the partnership between CBS Sports and the WNBA, which includes eight regular-season games annually starting this year.
A New Chapter for Dawn Staley: From Courtside to Broadcast Booth
In a landmark move, renowned head coach Dawn Staley will take center stage in the broadcasting world this summer. As part of CBS Sports’ innovative initiative to enhance coverage of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Staley joins their new pregame show as an expert analyst. The series kicks off on a warm Saturday evening ahead of the highly anticipated clash between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, featuring players she has nurtured through her tenure at South Carolina. This game represents not only the first-ever primetime regular-season broadcast but also highlights the growing prominence of women's sports.
Staley’s connection to both teams deepens the narrative; two standout former players, Aliyah Boston with the Fever and Kamilla Cardoso with the Sky, exemplify her enduring influence. Her experience extends beyond college game previews, having previously provided commentary during Olympic broadcasts last summer. Over the season, the pregame show will accompany four of the eight CBS-broadcast games, including matchups involving the Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Aces, and others featuring South Carolina alumni such as A’ja Wilson and Tiffany Mitchell.
The remaining shows are scheduled for August 9 and 16, culminating in a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. This role provides Staley a platform to remain actively engaged with the league and its athletes while promoting visibility for women's basketball.
From the perspective of a journalist, Staley’s involvement underscores the importance of bridging the gap between athletics and media. By sharing her expertise, she not only elevates the profile of the WNBA but also inspires future generations of female athletes and broadcasters alike. Her presence reinforces the message that success transcends the boundaries of the court, encouraging broader participation and recognition in sports journalism.
