NEW YORK – In celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the WNBA will promote the values of equality, diversity and inclusion and support the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through leaguewide initiatives throughout the month of June.  Highlights include four nationally televised games and marching in NYC Pride for a fourth-straight year.

“Uniting people through sport is a deeply rooted tradition in our league,” said WNBA COO Christy Hedgpeth.  “We are honored to have events and initiatives designed to support LGBTQ+ equality, and encourage players, fans and employees to share their voices year-round.”

ESPN and ABC will feature a combined four nationally televised games in honor of Pride Month.  The action tips off on June 8 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) when the Los Angeles Sparks visit the Minnesota Lynx

ABC’s coverage of Pride continues on June 16 (3:30 p.m. ET) when the defending champions Seattle Storm visit the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun.  To close out the month, ESPN will highlight two games; a semi-finals rematch of the Washington Mystics at the Atlanta Dream on June 23 (1 p.m. ET) and the Mystics hosting the Sun on June 29 (2 p.m. ET).

The WNBA will once again collaborate with GLSEN and Fanatics on an exclusive line of Pride apparel including Fanatics-branded WNBA T-shirts and New Era Caps featuring WNBA team logos.  All NBA and WNBA proceeds will benefit GLSEN, and fans can purchase the shirts and caps beginning June 4 on nbastore.com and wnbastore.com.

On June 30, for the fourth straight year, the WNBA will participate in the NYC Pride with the NBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League, joining the global LGBTQ+ community in commemorating WorldPride and the 50^th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969.

In celebration of Pride Month, the WNBA social channels will promote the importance of taking a stand for equality and inclusion for everyone with #wnbapride.  Throughout June, the WNBA social media channels will give an in-depth look at player and fan stories of inspiration and inclusion.

Team activities will also be showcased on WNBA and NBA social media channels with the hashtag #wnbapride.  Teams will offer special ticket packages, in-arena experiences and Pride-themed games and community events during the month.  They will also participate in local Pride marches and festivals and activate with local Pride groups.  Additional information on team events and celebrations can be found at WNBA.com/pride.

The 2019 WNBA regular season runs through Sept. 8.  For more information on the WNBA, game tickets and the full 2019 schedule, visit WNBA.com.