ESPN is officially moving on from one of the WNBA‘s most successful alternate broadcasts. After six years, The Bird & Taurasi Show, hosted by WNBA legends Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, will not return for the upcoming NCAA Women’s Final Four.
The network confirmed the decision during a Final Four preview event, which could very well mark a significant programming shift.
The alternate telecast, which aired on ESPN 2 alongside the traditional broadcast, became a staple of Final Four weekend. Known for its relaxed tone, inside jokes, and unfiltered commentary, the show delivered a different energy than the main feed.
ESPN Replacing Sue Bird & Diana Taurasi Show
During the 2024 national championship game between Iowa and South Carolina, the altcast reportedly drew 1.4 million viewers, a strong number for a secondary broadcast and proof of its appeal.
Now, ESPN senior vice president Meg Aronowitz says it’s time to “reimagine” the concept.
“We are reimagining what we call our alternate telecast,” Aronowitz said. “We are grateful for Sue and Diana and our time with them, but we’re going to rethink how we bring viewers that alternate experience.”
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BREAKING- According to senior vice president of production at ESPN Meg Aronowitz, the Bird and Taurasi Show will not return for this year's Women's Final Four.
— Aya Abdeen (@ayabdeen) February 24, 2026
That concept is being reimagined. #WNBA
However, Aronowitz did not reveal who will replace Bird and Taurasi or what format the new version will take, only stating that details will be announced soon.
The decision marks the end of a run that many viewed as a blueprint for executing a successful altcast. Both the WNBA star’s chemistry, built from years as teammates at UConn and USA Basketball, translated seamlessly to television.
Since launching the show, both stars have retired from professional basketball. Bird has taken on a leadership role with USA Basketball and expanded her media presence, while Taurasi has remained largely out of the spotlight following her retirement.
Diana Taurasi Has Long Enjoyed Sue Bird’s Company
While their journey together at ESPN is coming to an end, Diana Taurasi has long been enjoying Sue Bird’s company.
Last year, when the Seattle Storm unveiled a bronze statue of Bird outside Climate Pledge Arena, it felt fitting that Taurasi was there to witness it.
The former point guard became the first WNBA player to receive a statue from the franchise she spent her entire career with, 21 seasons, all in Seattle. The sculpture captures her mid-layup, a nod to the precision and poise that defined her Hall of Fame run.
Among the many voices celebrating the moment, Taurasi made it extra special.
“No one deserves it more than Sue,” Taurasi said at the ceremony. “No player, no city. What she’s done for Seattle and the love that they’ve shown back, that’s what sports is about. Loyalty. Competition. And Sue does all of that.”
“That’s what sports is about. Loyalty. Competition. And Sue does all of that.” 🧡
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 17, 2025
From one best friend to the other, Diana Taurasi shares what Sue Bird’s statue, that she has deemed the “ultimate one up”, means to the city of Seattle! pic.twitter.com/dDVUxg4a64
That said, they were teammates at UConn, won national championships together, and later captured five Olympic gold medals representing Team USA. They also spent time playing professionally overseas and faced each other 46 times in WNBA matchups between the Storm and the Phoenix Mercury.
Both former No. 1 overall picks lived up to expectations. Bird retired as one of the most accomplished point guards in league history. Taurasi, widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers the game has seen, built a legacy of her own in Phoenix.