WNBA Finals goes Hollywood with ‘Orange Carpet’ pregame show ahead of Game 2
Key Takeaway: E! and USA Network will air ‘Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals’, a one-hour red carpet-style pregame special hosted by Lilly Singh ahead of Game 2 between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries.
The WNBA Finals are getting the red-carpet treatment in San Francisco for a special pregame broadcast blending sports with pop culture.
How to watch
The one-hour special Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals airs live on Monday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT), broadcasting from the Chase Center in San Francisco. Following the orange carpet coverage, the WNBA on USA pregame show begins at 7 p.m. ET, leading directly into Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries with an 8 p.m. ET tip-off, as reported by Front Office Sports.
There is a network conflict regarding broadcast details. The Hollywood Reporter reported on October 14 that both the orange-carpet show and the game would be simulcast across USA, E!, and CNBC. However, E! News and Front Office Sports reported on October 19 that the one-hour special airs on E! and USA only, while Game 2 airs on E!, USA, and CNBC. E! and USA are both owned by Versant. According to Front Office Sports, this marks the first time E! has extended its arrivals coverage beyond traditional entertainment events.
Who is on the show
The broadcast is hosted by Lilly Singh, who is also a part-owner of the Toronto Tempo. Singh noted the cultural shift in women’s basketball coverage.
The live panel features comedian Wanda Sykes, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Tina Thompson, and WNBA player stylist Brittany Hampton. USA Sports WNBA courtside reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby serves as the tunnel reporter, interviewing players as they arrive.
There’s more programming and more commentary than ever. This is just the latest proof that the way [the WNBA] is being talked about has evolved.
Lilly Singh, to Front Office Sports
The production
The special is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Seth Dudowsky serving as executive producers, and Shaun Smith acting as showrunner. Front Office Sports reported that the special was in the works well before the Finals matchup was set, and that Versant is eyeing more crossover programming.
When entertainment is having a moment, Live from E! is there and we’re thrilled to expand that expertise to USA Sports for one of the WNBA’s biggest nights. With Lilly and Wanda and this incredible lineup of talent, Live from the Orange Carpet: WNBA Finals will bring E!’s signature live event coverage and pop culture lens to celebrate the players and cultural influence that make the league so electric both on and off the court.
Val Boreland, president of entertainment for Versant, to The Hollywood Reporter
Why it matters
The event is intended to highlight the intersection of sports and fashion, with players’ arrival outfits forming part of the coverage. Front Office Sports described Angel Reese as a fashionista and the league’s most-followed player.
Front Office Sports reported record first-round playoff viewership and described the Golden State Valkyries as leading the WNBA in nearly every major business metric. These claims have not been independently confirmed in the listed sources. The concept builds on orange carpet history, as the WNBA first rolled out its orange carpet during All-Star Weekend in 2022, according to Front Office Sports.
We’ll continue looking for similar opportunities across our portfolio.
Christian McLaughlin, Versant SVP of live entertainment, to Front Office Sports
Key Story Metrics
| Figure | Reported Status |
|---|---|
| Orange carpet start time | Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT (Verified) |
| Game 2 tip-off time | 8 p.m. ET (Reported by Front Office Sports; not independently confirmed) |
| Game 1 score | Valkyries 68, Dream 64 (Reported by Front Office Sports; not independently confirmed) |
| Series lead | Valkyries lead 1-0 (Reported by Front Office Sports; not independently confirmed) |
| Orange-carpet debut year | 2022 All-Star Weekend (Reported by Front Office Sports; not independently confirmed) |
✓ Verified
The one-hour special exists; airs Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT from Chase Center, San Francisco; hosted by Lilly Singh; panel of Wanda Sykes, Tina Thompson and Brittany Hampton; tunnel reporting by Terrika Foster-Brasby; produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment (EPs Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Seth Dudowsky; showrunner Shaun Smith); Game 2 is Atlanta Dream vs Golden State Valkyries; Singh is a Toronto Tempo part-owner.
⚠ Still needs confirmation
Reported by Front Office Sports, not independently confirmed by the other outlets: first E! arrivals coverage beyond entertainment; 68-64 Game 1 score and 1-0 series lead; 7 p.m. ET pregame and 8 p.m. ET tip-off; Angel Reese as fashionista and most-followed player; Valkyries’ business-metrics lead; special in development before the matchup was set; record first-round playoff viewership; Versant eyeing more crossover programming. Network conflict: THR says the pregame show also airs on CNBC; E! News and FOS say only Game 2 does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the orange carpet show start?
6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) on Monday, Oct. 19, live from Chase Center in San Francisco.
Which channels carry the orange carpet show?
E! and USA Network. Note: The Hollywood Reporter reported the show would also simulcast on CNBC, but E! News and Front Office Sports say only Game 2 airs on all three networks.
Who is hosting?
Lilly Singh, who is also a part-owner of the Toronto Tempo.
- Front Office Sports: Ellyn Briggs, Oct 19 2026
- The Hollywood Reporter: Alex Weprin, Oct 14 2026
- E! News: Sabba Rahbar, Oct 19 2026
- Sports Video Group: Oct 15 2026
Editor’s note: All broadcast details and network availability are subject to change based on scheduling updates from Versant.
