ESPN will be showing off some fancy footwork during the women’s Final Four telecast.
For six years, ESPN successfully led Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi to lead a special ESPN2 “altcast” designed to provide an option outside of traditional game coverage during college basketball tournaments. With two former players retiring and more involvement with outside ventures, the Disney-backed sports media giant is trying something different. “Courtside” will feature a wider range of personalities and will be hosted by Jess Sims.
Her guests include Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher in both the semi-finals and championships. WNBA players Natisha Hedeman, also known as “Stud Buzz,” and Courtney Williams will serve as analysts for both semifinals on Friday. Six-time WNBA All-Star Chelsea Gray will be a guest analyst during Sunday’s national championship. And ESPN Sports Creator Katie Feeney will provide traveling interviews and fan reactions.
In an interesting production twist, the group will sit courtside, hoping the dynamic producer will inject additional energy into the program. “Courtside” will air on ESPN2 on Friday, April 3 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM ET and on Sunday, April 5 at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN.
“We’re thrilled to debut our reimagined alt cast in the Women’s Final Four,” Meg Aronowitz, executive vice president of production, said in a prepared statement. “With Ilona, Natisha, Courtney, Chelsea, Jess, Katie and a dynamic lineup of guests, ‘Courtside’ will deliver a fresh and authentic perspective on the game. By having this group courtside, we will create an immersive experience that brings fans closer than ever before, delivering insight, personality and fun while capturing the energy of the arena.”
So-called “alternatecasts” are all the rage among sports broadcasters, with ESPN, Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon and others experimenting with the format. These concepts run parallel to traditional game broadcasts, typically in less formal settings, and involve a different set of hosts.
Sims may find themselves in her element. She has served as a sideline reporter for some of the most high-profile women’s basketball games of the season. She is also a weekly contributor to “College GameDay.”
“I’m very excited to be joining ESPN’s ‘Courtside’ for the first year,” Maher said. “I’m ready to enjoy being right next to the game because it’s going to be a great game.”
