PHOENIX – The 2007 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury will host Championship Saturday when the Mercury opens the 2008 season at US Airways Center on Saturday, May 17 at 12:30 p.m. Featured on ABC, the Mercury will begin defending its title against the Los Angeles Sparks who will be led by veteran Lisa Leslie and the No. 1 WNBA draft pick. Upon entry, 5,000 lucky fans will receive WNBA Championship replica rings courtesy of the Arizona Lottery.

The highlight of the afternoon will be the ring ceremony and the raising of the 2007 WNBA Champion banner. Both will be held prior to tip-off on the main court at US Airways Center. WNBA President Donna Orender, Managing Partner Robert Sarver, Mercury President and COO Jay Parry and Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale will be on-hand to take part in the ceremony.

“We will be celebrating a moment in Arizona history on Championship Saturday,” said Mercury President and COO Jay Parry. “We invite everyone to come and be a part of what is sure to be a fun and memorable championship celebration at US Airways Center.”

Led by Finals MVP Cappie Pondexter and WNBA All-Stars Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor, the Phoenix Mercury was the first team in league history to win a championship on the road. On September 16, 2007, the Mercury defeated the Detroit Shock in five games and captured the first championship in franchise history.

Tickets to watch the Mercury defend their title during the 2008 regular season are available now on phoenixmercury.com and by calling 602.252.WNBA.