Holly Rowe Makes WNBA Analyst Debut in Dallas

Dallas Honor and Debut

During the matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Dallas Wings, longtime ESPN women’s basketball reporter Holly Rowe took the analyst’s chair for the first time in a WNBA broadcast. The game was played in Dallas on a Sunday afternoon, giving Rowe an immediate showcase against a narrow Wings victory. While on the bench, she was formally recognized by the franchise as part of its 2026 Nancy Lieberman Women of Inspiration class, an honor that celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the game.

ESPN’s Broadcast Shift

ESPN’s regular lead WNBA announcing duo, Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo, were unable to travel to Texas due to severe travel restrictions, prompting the network to fill the slot with alternative talent. John Schriffen, a 41‑year‑old Chicago‑based announcer who typically calls White Sox games and college sports for ESPN, was tapped to handle play‑by‑play duties. Rowe, who lives out West, joined him, marking her first ESPN WNBA analyst appearance.

Rowe’s Growing Role on the Mic

Rowe has broadened her responsibilities beyond sideline reporting in recent years. She served as a secondary game analyst for the Utah Jazz from 2021 through 2024, and she regularly contributes analysis on women’s basketball, softball, and college football for ESPN. This WNBA debut reflects a broader trend of reporters taking on analytical duties, a shift that aligns with her expanding career trajectory.

Opportunity for Schriffen

For Schriffen, the assignment was also a notable showcase, giving him the chance to work a high‑profile WNBA contest while he balances his primary baseball announcing roles. The experience highlights his versatility across multiple sports and platforms, reinforcing his standing as a rising voice in sports broadcasting.

As Rowe continues to carve out a niche in analyst work and the Wings honor her contributions, her performance in this game will likely serve as a reference point for her future assignments in both men’s and women’s basketball coverage.