NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2007 – The journey to Beijing for the U.S. Women’s Senior National Team begins on NBA TV when the network presents the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship from Antonio Azurmendi Coliseum in Valdivia, Chile. NBA TV will televise all three of the U.S.’s first round games live starting with its opening game against Cuba on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. ET. The network then will showcase live the semifinals on Saturday, Sept. 29 beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET as well as the gold medal game on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. ET.

Eight teams representing eight different countries throughout the Western Hemisphere will be competing in this year’s championship with the winner qualifying for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in China. In addition to the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Jamaica and Mexico will be battling for the top honors.

Ranked No. 1 in the world, the U.S., which is led by Seattle Storm head coach Anne Donovan, will be looking to capture the gold medal as they begin their quest for their fourth straight Olympic gold medal. This year’s squad competing in the FIBA Americas Championship will feature 11 WNBA stars including Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Rebekkah Brunson and Kara Lawson (Sacramento Monarchs), Swin Cash and Katie Smith (Detroit Shock), DeLisha Milton-Jones (Washington Mystics), and Tina Thompson (Houston Comets) as well as Finals MVP Cappie Pondexter and Diana Taurasi from the 2007 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury.

In addition to live game action on NBA TV, WNBA.com will provide comprehensive coverage featuring game recaps, postgame interviews and profiles of the players and coaches.

2007 FIBA AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR WOMEN NBA TV ON-AIR SCHEDULE

Date Time Game
Wed., Sept. 26 4 p.m. ET USA vs. Cuba
Thurs, Sept. 27 1:30 p.m. ET USA vs. Jamaica
Fri., Sept. 28 4 p.m. ET USA vs. Canada
Sat., Sept. 29 4:30 p.m. ET Semifinal Game #1
Sat., Sept. 29 8 p.m. ET Semifinal Game #2
Sun. Sept. 30 4 p.m. ET Gold Medal Game