NEW YORK – Verizon WNBA All-Star 2017 will take place at KeyArena, home of the Seattle Storm, WNBA President Lisa Borders announced today.  The game will be nationally televised by ABC on Saturday, July 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT), and will be broadcast globally in more than 200 countries and territories.

Verizon, which became the WNBA leaguewide marquee partner in 2016, will serve as the title partner of the All-Star Game for the first time.  The WNBA’s midseason showcase will be played for the first time in Seattle, which hosted the Storm’s WNBA Finals games in 2004 and 2010.

“As we embark upon the league’s 21^st season, we’re thrilled to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star to Seattle and its great fan base for the first time,” said Borders.  “Historically, the All-Star Game has highlighted the absolute best in our world-class players – from Lisa Leslie’s dunk, to Shoni Schimmel’s otherworldly performance as a rookie, to the record-setting scoring efforts of Candace Parker in 2013 and Maya Moore in 2015 – and this time should only bring more excitement and moments for all to enjoy.”

“It is an honor to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star 2017 to Seattle, for our fans, our team and for this city.  The combination of the city of Seattle and our passionate fanbase will make this the perfect showcase for the best women’s basketball players in the world,” said Alisha Valavanis, Seattle Storm President & General Manager.

For ticket information, fans may visit StormBasketball.com or call the Storm at (206) 217-WNBA.  Current Storm 360 Members and those who purchase new memberships can secure their seats beginning today by calling (206) 217-WNBA.   Individual tickets to Verizon WNBA All-Star 2017 will go on sale in spring 2017.

“We are honored to host the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game, which will bring the best basketball players in the world to the Emerald City,” added Seattle Mayor Ed Murray.  “Seattle is a basketball town, home to the two-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm and last year’s University of Washington women’s Final Four team. We are proud of this tradition and we will look forward to celebrating the WNBA in Seattle next summer.”

“Seattle has the best fans in the WNBA, and I am so proud to be hosting Verizon WNBA All-Star 2017 in our hometown,” said Sue Bird, Seattle’s nine-time WNBA All-Star guard.  “This event celebrates world-class basketball, and there is no other city more deserving than Seattle.”

The most recent WNBA All-Star Game, held in 2015 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., saw the Western Conference defeat the Eastern Conference 117-112.  MVP Maya Moore led the West with an All-Star Game-record 30 points to go with six rebounds and five assists.  The game was highlighted by the final All-Star appearance of WNBA all-time leading rebounder Tamika Catchings, who would go on to retire after the 2016 season.  The WNBA did not have an All-Star Game in 2016 due to the Summer Olympics.

WNBA ALL-STAR GAME HISTORY

Date                   Location                                                         Won                Lost

July 14, 1999     Madison Square Garden (New York)             West    79        East     61

July 17, 2000     America West Arena (Phoenix)                      West    73        East     61

July 16, 2001     TD Waterhouse Centre (Orlando, Fla.)          West    80        East     72

July 15, 2002     MCI Center (Washington)                               West    81        East     76

July 12, 2003     Madison Square Garden (New York)             West    84        East     75

July 9, 2005       Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.)       West    122      East     99

July 12, 2006     Madison Square Garden (New York)             East     98        West    82

July 15, 2007     Verizon Center (Washington)                         East     103      West    99

July 25, 2009     Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.)       West    130      East     118

July 23, 2011     AT&T Center (San Antonio)                           East     118      West    113

July 27, 2013     Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.)       West    102      East     98

July 19, 2014     US Airways Center (Phoenix)                        East     125      West    124

July 25, 2015     Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.)       West    117      East     112

*In 2010, in advance of the FIBA World Championship, and in 2004, prior to the Athens Olympics, the U.S. Women’s National Team, comprised primarily of WNBA players, squared off against a team of WNBA stars in an exhibition match.  No game was held in 2008, 2012 or 2016 prior to the Olympic Games in Beijing, London and Rio, respectively.

 

About the WNBA

The WNBA – which features 12 teams and is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world – is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity.  The league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, completed its 20^th season on Oct. 20, 2016.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education.  For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

 

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, has a diverse workforce of 162,000 and generated nearly $132 billion in 2015 revenues. Verizon operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with 113.7 million retail connections nationwide. The company also provides communications and entertainment services over mobile broadband and the nation’s premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide.

 

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