E! is bringing its signature celebrity coverage to the basketball court. This October, media company Versant will launch a live special that combines sports, fashion and pop culture ahead of the WNBA Finals in San Francisco.
The one-hour program, titled Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals, will air on Monday, October 19, at 6 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. PT. It will broadcast from Chase Center before Game 2 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries.
The move reflects a changing entertainment landscape. Today, fans want more than scores and highlights. They also want to discover athletes’ personalities, explore their fashion choices and hear the stories behind their success.
Lilly Singh Leads a Star-Studded Lineup
Comedian and actress Lilly Singh will host the special. Known for her work in digital entertainment and television, Singh brings a lively personality to the broadcast.
She will be joined by comedian Wanda Sykes, WNBA legend Tina Thompson and basketball stylist Brittany Hampton. Together, they will explore the connections between basketball, celebrity culture and fashion.
Meanwhile, USA Sports reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby will interview players as they arrive at the arena. These conversations will give viewers a closer look at the athletes before the championship action begins.
As a result, the program promises a different kind of pregame experience. Instead of focusing entirely on tactics and statistics, it will highlight the personalities and cultural moments surrounding the Finals.
Why E! Is Bringing the Orange Carpet to Basketball
The orange carpet represents more than a colorful twist on Hollywood’s traditional red carpet. It brings E!’s familiar entertainment format into the world of professional basketball.
Traditionally, red carpet coverage has focused on movie premieres, award ceremonies and celebrity appearances. Now, E! is applying that approach to a major sporting event.
This shift makes sense because fashion has become an important part of modern sports culture. Players regularly showcase their personal style through pregame outfits and arena arrivals.
Moreover, these appearances often generate considerable attention on social media. A memorable outfit can spark conversations just as quickly as an impressive performance on the court.
Consequently, the orange carpet gives athletes another opportunity to express themselves. It also helps fans connect with their favorite players beyond the game.
The WNBA’s Growing Influence on Pop Culture
The initiative arrives as women’s basketball continues to attract attention from sports fans, fashion brands and entertainment companies. The WNBA’s influence now extends well beyond the basketball court.
Players have become prominent voices in conversations about fashion, identity and representation. Their personal stories also help introduce the sport to audiences who might not regularly watch basketball.
Furthermore, the league’s growing visibility creates new opportunities for media companies. By combining sports coverage with entertainment programming, broadcasters can reach a wider range of viewers.
Versant has already demonstrated its commitment to women’s basketball through an 11-year media rights agreement that brings WNBA coverage to USA Network beginning in 2026.
The orange carpet special builds on that investment. It offers another way to showcase the league while connecting its sporting achievements with broader cultural conversations.
A Special Season for the WNBA
The WNBA’s 30th anniversary adds another reason to celebrate the league’s history and influence. The milestone provides an opportunity to recognize the players who helped build the competition and the stars shaping its future.
Tina Thompson’s involvement is particularly fitting. As a WNBA legend, she can bring valuable perspective to conversations about the league’s development and its growing cultural presence.
Meanwhile, the participation of comedians and fashion professionals adds a fresh dimension to the celebration. Their perspectives can help make the broadcast appealing to viewers beyond the traditional basketball audience.
In addition, the anniversary creates an opportunity to reflect on how women’s professional basketball has evolved. The league’s athletes are increasingly recognized not only for their performances but also for their influence outside sports.
What Can Viewers Expect?
The special will combine player interviews, fashion discussions and conversations about the WNBA’s cultural impact. It will also build anticipation for Game 2 of the Finals.
Singh will guide the discussion, while Sykes, Thompson and Hampton will offer their individual perspectives. Meanwhile, Foster-Brasby will bring viewers closer to the players through interviews at the arena.
This combination should appeal to several audiences. Basketball fans can hear directly from athletes, while entertainment enthusiasts can enjoy the fashion and celebrity elements.
More importantly, the program makes the pregame period part of the overall event. Rather than simply waiting for tip-off, viewers can explore the personalities and stories surrounding the championship.
Can Sports and Entertainment Work Together?
E!’s WNBA Finals special reflects a broader shift in live television. Sports and entertainment are increasingly overlapping as networks look for new ways to capture audience attention.
Traditional pregame programs usually emphasize matchups, player statistics and expert predictions. However, entertainment-focused coverage can add humor, fashion and personal storytelling.
That approach may also help attract viewers who are curious about the WNBA but do not follow every game. By introducing players through interviews and cultural discussions, the network can create a more accessible entry point.
Nevertheless, the success of the format will depend on balance. The broadcast must celebrate the athletes and their stories without losing sight of the championship itself.
If the combination works, it could offer a useful model for future sports coverage. Other broadcasters may also explore ways to combine live competition with celebrity interviews and lifestyle programming.
When and Where to Watch
Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals is scheduled to air on Monday, October 19, at 6 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. PT.
The broadcast will come from Chase Center in San Francisco ahead of Game 2 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
With Lilly Singh hosting and a diverse panel of entertainment and basketball personalities joining her, the special promises a fresh perspective on championship night.
Ultimately, E! is betting that fans want to experience more than the final score. They want the fashion, the personalities and the stories that make major sporting events memorable.
Will you be watching E!’s orange carpet special before the WNBA Finals? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow our blog for the latest entertainment news, sports updates and pop culture stories.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
Where to Watch / Shop
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Awesome TV earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Watch on Amazon
