WNBA season to start June 5 with 10 teams playing

Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and the rest of the champion Phoenix Mercury highlight the opening night of the WNBA on June 5 when the league’s 19th season tips off. The Mercury will face the San Antonio Stars and receive their 2014 championship rings before the game. Defending Eastern Conference champion Chicago will host Indiana, marking the debut of new coach Stephanie White. The Sky and Mercury will face each other on July 28 in a rematch of last season’s WNBA Finals. The teams will play again on Aug. 9. The season tips off three weeks later than last year because there is no world championship or Olympics. – Associated Press