WNBA opens season on May 13 with Sparks-Storm showdown

NEW YORK -- The WNBA will open its season on May 13 with the defending champion Los Angeles Sparks hosting the Seattle Storm.

The league announced the regular-season schedule on Tuesday. The opening game on ESPN will feature the Sparks' league MVP Nneka Ogwumike and Finals MVP Candace Parker against the Storm's rookie of the year Breanna Stewart and veteran Sue Bird.

The WNBA, beginning its 21st season, also opens with New York hosting San Antonio and Atlanta visiting Connecticut.

ESPN2 will show eight games during the regular season. The Sparks will appear on national television four times, and the Storm and Minnesota Lynx will make three appearances each. The Sparks and runner-up Lynx will face off July 6 on ESPN2.

The regular season ends on Sept. 3.