Robin Roberts returns to special role before hosting GMA amid reunion with former co-star almost 30 years on

Robin Roberts left her post at Good Morning America and reunited with coaching legend Geno Auriemma almost 30 years after they called the first-ever WNBA game in 1997, in a full-circle moment for the TV star.

The 65-year-old arrived for the one-night-only broadcast of the Dallas Wings versus New York Liberty game on Tuesday at the Barclays Center, to celebrate the league’s 30th season and incredible growth. “Coming back to ESPN to call a WNBA game feels like coming home,” Robin shared in a press release ahead of the game. 

“When Geno and I sat together for that first ESPN WNBA broadcast in 1997, we knew we were witnessing something special. To reunite with Geno and celebrate the WNBA’s 30th season alongside Beth is truly an honor. It’s incredible to reflect on how far the league has come and the bright future ahead.”

Geno, who is the head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, shared how meaningful it was to reunite with Robin. 

“I’ve been fortunate to spend most of my life around women’s basketball, and when Robin and I called that first WNBA game, it felt like the beginning of something that could change the sport forever,” he said.

“Thirty seasons later, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch this league become what it is. Being able to reunite with Robin, a broadcasting legend and lifelong supporter of our game, and celebrate this milestone is a reminder of how far the game has come and how many people have helped elevate it along the way.”

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The ESPN Senior VP of Sports Production, Tim Corrigan, added: “Robin and Geno were there at the beginning, helping tell the story of a groundbreaking new league that would forever change the landscape of women’s sports.” 

“Bringing them back together for one night is a fitting way to honor the league’s history, recognize its extraordinary growth and showcase the stars who continue to elevate the game today,” he concluded. 

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Robin began her career as a sports reporter and joined ESPN in 1990, winning three Emmys for her work. She also played basketball in college, and has championed women’s sports for decades. The journalist became an investor in the New York Liberty team in 2025, cementing her support for the game. 

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Robin’s appearance at the special event came just days after she attended the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in NYC. She confirmed on Good Morning America that legendary rocker Stevie Nicks performed at the star-studded wedding, and added that it felt intimate and personal despite the 1,000 guests in the room. 

“They had their neighbors, their high school friends. It was like any wedding you would attend. Oh, and their vows! They both brought their own vows!” she said on the show.