U.S. Olympic rugby starIlona Maherwill be the featured guest on ESPN's newly announced alt-cast for the NCAA Women's Final Four.
The network − which is broadcasting the NCAA Tournament semifinals on Friday, April 3 and the women's national championship game on Sunday, April 5 − will have Jess Sims hosting "Courtside at the Women's Final Four," airing on ESPN 2 for the semis and ESPN for the final.
Maher, a member of theUSA's bronze medal-winning teamat the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, will be among a rotating cast of guests, along with ESPN reporter and content creator Katie Feeney.
"I'm incredibly excited to be joining ESPN's 'Courtside'in its first year,"Maher in an ESPN news release. "As a champion of women's sports, I cannot wait to be part of ESPN's presentation of women's basketball on the biggest stage. We are going to see some fantastic games and we're ready to have some fun right next to the action."
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The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness Second Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
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The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the2026 NCAA Women's March MadnessSecond Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026.
The alt-cast will run concurrently with the network's main broadcast of the Final Four (on ESPN) on Friday evening and national championship (on ABC) Sunday afternoon.
Also joining the alt-cast are Minnesota Lynx players Natisha Hiedemanand Courtney Williams − known as the StudBudz to fans of their popular Twitch channel.
In addition, six-time WNBA All-Star Chelsea Gray will join Sims and Maher as a guest analyst for the title game. The Las Vegas Aces guard is a four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
"'Courtside' will deliver a fresh, authentic perspective on the game," said Meg Aronowitz, ESPN senior vice president of production. "By placing this group right at courtside, we're creating an immersive experience that brings fans closer than ever – capturing the energy of the arena while also delivering insight, personality and fun."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ilona Maher joins ESPN alt-cast for Women's Final 4 March Madnss