What better way to start the WNBA season, its 27th opening night, with a marquee matchup between Phoenix and Los Angeles? Both teams met briefly in the preseason for a little warmup, where the Sparks defeated the Mercury by 19 points, 90-71, on May 12.
Brittney Griner took the court that night for 17 minutes, dropping 10 points and three rebounds.
Technically, May 12 can be considered her return to the game after her 10-month Russian detainment that caused her to miss the entire 2022 season. She'll be taking the court for her first meaningful game on Friday since Oct. 17, 2021.
Diana Taurasi, who just extended her contract with the Phoenix Mercury, will be joining the 6-foot-9 center. 2023 will be her 19th season in the WNBA and in Arizona, meaning she's on the way to surpassing her legendary best friend's record of consecutive years in the league — Sue Bird retired after two decades with the Seattle Storm.
The Sparks struck gold in this year's draft when they recruited South Carolina star Zia Cooke after the Gamecocks' 2023 run to the Women's Final Four. In their preseason meeting, Cooke led the Sparks with 12 points off the bench.
Meanwhile, Iowa star Monika Czinano has since been waived from the roster, and the Mercury cut one of their two draft picks in Destiny Harden.
MORE: WNBA roster cuts 2023
Here's what you need to know to watch Sparks vs. Mercury.
What channel is Sparks vs. Mercury on today?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Sling TV, ESPN+
Los Angeles vs. Phoenix will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, which will air 25 regular season games this season. This game is also available for live streaming on ESPN+ or Sling TV.
Basketball fans can watch the WNBA all season long on the ESPN family of networks and NBATV with Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the WNBA on Sling TV, which is now offering $10 off your first month! Stream the sports you love starting at just $30 in your first month with Sling Orange to catch all the games on ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Sparks vs. Mercury start time
- Date: Friday, May 19
- Time: 11 p.m. ET | 8 p.m. PT
Los Angeles vs. Phoenix will begin at 11 p.m. ET on Friday, May 19. The WNBA opening weekend contest will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. Timezone translations mean the game will tip at 8 p.m. locally (PT).
WNBA opening weekend schedule 2023
Friday, May 19
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Platform |
| Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever | 7 p.m. | League Pass |
| New York Liberty at Washington Mystics | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx | 8 p.m. | League Pass |
| Phoenix Mercury at Los Angeles Sparks | 11 p.m. | ESPN |
Saturday, May 20
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Platform |
| Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings | 1 p.m. | ABC |
| Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm | 3 p.m. | ABC |
Sunday, May 21
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Platform |
| Washington Mystics at Connecticut Sun | 1 p.m. | League Pass |
| Indiana Fever at New York Liberty | 2 p.m. | |
| Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury | 4 p.m. | ESPN |