The WNBA season is just around the corner, and while there's a fresh lineup of broadcast partners joining the league, one familiar face is making a highly anticipated return to the studio. Hannah Storm, a true pioneer in women's basketball broadcasting, is stepping back into the spotlight as an anchor for ESPN's WNBA Countdown this season.

For longtime fans, this feels like a full-circle moment. Storm called the play-by-play for the very first WNBA game in history and anchored studio coverage for NBC during the league's formative years. Now, she'll rotate as a host for ESPN's pregame show and contribute reported features to both the program and SportsCenter. It's a homecoming that speaks to her enduring legacy and the league's incredible growth.

This move comes as ESPN reshuffles its WNBA coverage following several key departures. Top studio host Elle Duncan has moved on, and veteran announcer Pam Ward has retired. In response, ESPN is broadening Malika Andrews' role, with Storm stepping in as a key backup and stabilizing presence in the studio.

The network is also refreshing its broadcast teams. Tiffany Greene and Carolyn Peck will take over as the No. 2 crew, while Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli will handle select assignments. These changes fill the void left by longtime analyst LaChina Robinson, who has moved to NBC and Prime Video.

On the schedule front, ESPN will air 30 regular-season WNBA games this year—a slight reduction as NBC, USA Network, and Prime Video join the national broadcast mix. Notably, for the first time since 2002, ESPN will not carry the WNBA Finals. Instead, the 2026 championship series will air on NBC, Peacock, and USA Network, part of the league's new rotating broadcast rights deal.

With a blend of veteran voices like Storm and new talent in the booth, this season promises to be one of the most dynamic yet for WNBA fans. Whether you're tuning in for the history or the high-level analysis, the coverage is shaping up to be a slam dunk.