ESPN’s lead WNBA broadcast team will call the network’s coverage of the 30th WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night, with Holly Rowe joining Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo for the telecast from the United Center in Chicago at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Rowe, known for her sideline reporting and storytelling within the league, will serve as the game’s sideline reporter, providing live insights and exclusive access throughout the event. Ruocco and Lobo, a longtime on-air pairing for WNBA coverage, will handle play-by-play and analysis duties, respectively.

Rowe’s role extends beyond traditional reporting, underscored by her long-standing relationships with players and coaches throughout the league. “She shouldn’t even be identified as just a sideline reporter,” Lobo said, emphasizing Rowe’s deeper contribution in unfolding the narratives around the athletes. Rowe herself highlighted the importance of trust and presence in her work, noting she actively attends team practices, press events, and other functions to remain closely connected with the players and the broader WNBA community.

“My job is access and observation,” Rowe said. “I am down there to tell fans something that they can’t see at home. I want the majority of my content to be things I have observed firsthand because of where I’m positioned.”

Despite her experience and rapport with players, Rowe acknowledged that airtime is not guaranteed during broadcasts, as she often must pitch stories to producers. For Saturday’s game, one planned feature includes a conversation with Tempo All-Star and former Sky guard Marina Mabrey, who has been working with an energy coach to channel her competitive intensity positively for her team.

Rowe’s involvement with the WNBA dates back to its early days, starting in more technical roles such as pulling cables and stage managing for the now-defunct Utah Starzz—an organization that has since relocated and rebranded as the Las Vegas Aces. Her progression from behind-the-scenes roles to a prominent voice on-air reflects a deep commitment to telling the stories of the league’s athletes.

“She’s motivated completely by these athletes having interesting stories to tell,” Lobo said. “If Holly doesn’t tell them, they may never get told.” This dedication underscores Rowe’s reputation as a trusted conduit between players and fans, enhancing the viewing experience through her unique access and empathetic storytelling.