-- WNBA’s 12th Season Tips Off with Community Events in All 14 WNBA Cities--

NEW YORK, May 8, 2008 – In celebration of the WNBA’s 12th season, the league and teams will give back to their communities with special events throughout the country. During the week of May 11, teams will be active in their local markets, engaging with fans by hosting a variety of events including, WNBA Fit clinics, Read to Achieve reading rallies, Jr. WNBA clinics, visiting schools and doing so much more.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle for young girls and women, raising awareness and funds for programs that support women's health issues and providing critical resources for education and literacy programs.

“WNBA players have a special connection with their fans and they are committed to giving back to them and their communities throughout the year,” said Kathy Behrens, Senior Vice President NBA and WNBA Community and Player Programs. “WNBA Cares Week serves as an opportunity to highlight the programs and causes that are important to our teams and players. At the same time it allows our fans to connect with our players over shared community interests as we head into what will be one of the WNBA’s most exciting seasons ever.”

Below is the schedule of WNBA Cares Week activities:

Atlanta: Dream star Betty Lennox has set up a clothing drive challenge through her organization, the Lennox Foundation 22. All proceeds raised through WNBA Cares week will benefit My Sister’s House, a women and children’s shelter in Atlanta.

The team is also honoring women at the 25th Anniversary of the YWCA’s Salute to Women of Achievement on May 14.

Chicago: The Sky will participate in the Y-Me Walk at Chicago’s Grant Park on May 11. The three mile walk will raise funds to support Y-ME's programs and services that are offered free of charge to anyone touched by breast cancer.

On May 13, Brooke Wyckoff will visit the Rock Cut Elementary School, while Angela Tisdale conducts a basketball clinic at Goodlow Elementary School. The following day, Sylvia Fowles will also conduct a basketball clinic at Ella Flagg Young Public School.

Connecticut: The Sun will host a WNBA Fit clinic at the Hartford Boys & Girls Club on May 10.

Later in the week, players will also visit various Dunkin’ Donuts® locations to join fans and guests for coffee and donuts.

Detroit: The team will unveil the “Detroit Shock Inspiring Women & Live, Learn and Play Center” at the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit. The entire squad will work on the facility’s backyard including painting, setting up furniture and planting trees and flowers. The mothers living in the house will also be honored as part of an unveiling celebration on May 15.

Houston: The Comets will host a special Mothers and Daughters Shooting Clinic with the Monica Lamb Foundation on May 10. Participants will have a chance to interact with players and learn important lessons about health and wellness.

Indiana: The Fever will conduct a unique event on May 15 at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum where 200 local students will take part in a joint Read to Achieve and WNBA Fit event. Participants will have a chance to interact with Fever stars and learn about the importance of a healthy mind and body.

Los Angeles: The Sparks will host a youth basketball clinic at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center on May 10, prior to their preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx taking place in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Minnesota: As part of the Lynx’ “10 Days of May-hem,” the team will host nearly 20 community outreach events throughout the Twin Cities during the 10 days leading into the season opener. The initiative will feature visits to the Gillette Children’s Hospital, CommonBond Communities, Ronald McDonald House, local schools and shelters.

New York: On May 15, the New York Liberty, in partnership with the Children’s Book Council, will host a reading rally for local children at the NBA Store in New York City. Liberty players will be joined by Walter Dean Myers, author of Slam and Bob Krech, author of Rebound, and will spend time reading with the young students and teaching them the importance of education.

Phoenix: The 2007 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury will unveil a brand new WNBA Cares Basketball Court at Camelback High School in Phoenix on May 14. The Toyota Project Rebound renovation project includes extensive refurbishments to the school’s existing gymnasium. Mercury stars will conduct a basketball clinic for the students following the ribbon cutting ceremony and teach them strength, endurance and flexibility techniques and tips for improving their body, mind and athletic performance.

Sacramento: In support of Breast Health Awareness, the Monarchs will participate in the 2008 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Sacramento and offer fans a post-race experience where they can interact with players and participate in various team activities.

In addition, the team will host a Read to Achieve event for the entire student body at Will C. Middle School on May 13.

San Antonio: The Silver Stars squad will visit wounded soldiers at the Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston on May 22. The players will bring special gifts and spend time with the soldiers and their families.

Seattle: The Storm will host a Read to Achieve event at the Boys & Girls Club of King County where Storm star Sheryl Swoopes will spend time reading with a group of local students on May 15.

Washington: The Mystics will host a WNBA Fit assembly at Forte Foot Elementary School on May 12. Players will talk to students about the importance of fitness and show them ways to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

The team will also host a March of Dimes Diaper Drive prior to their preseason game against the Houston Comets on May 13. Fans are encouraged to donate baby items that will benefit local programs including Stork’s Nest and NICU Family Support.

In addition, Nikki Blue will participate in a Reading Is Fundamental event at John Eaton Elementary School on May 15, and Alana Beard and Taj McWilliams-Franklin will visit the Sibley Memorial Hospital on May 15 to spend time with patients and hospital employees.

About the WNBA
Comprised of 14 teams and entering its 12th season, the WNBA is the longest-running and most successful women’s professional team sports league in America. The 2008 season tips off May 17 with ESPN2 again providing appointment viewing in the form of its “WNBA Tuesdays” telecasts. Combined coverage on ABC and ESPN2 will include 21 national telecasts, while NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour television network, will offer 70 regular-season contests.

The WNBA is deeply committed to WNBA CARES programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting health and fitness, heart health awareness, reading and youth basketball programs. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.