Sky to host celebrity team in battle of the sexes game

The Chicago Sky will host the first-ever Basketball Battle of the Sexes game when it takes on an all-male team from the Entertainment League in a June exhibition contest.

The game, at 7 p.m. June 2 p.m. at the UIC Pavilion, will be played with WNBA official rules, including WNBA referees, three-point line, shot clock, and official WNBA basketball.

The E League, now in its 12th season, features celebrities in film, television and music who play basketball exhibitions every Sunday from November through April.

Expected to play against the Chicago Sky match will be actors and Chicago natives Michael Clark Duncan ("The Green Mile") and Larenz Tate ("Crash"). They will team up with Grammy nominated artists Brian McKnight and Nelly, James Lafferty ("One Tree Hill") and 2008 E League MVP Donald Faison ("Scrubs"). Rounding out the roster are actors Frankie Muniz ("Malcolm in the Middle"), Columbus Short ("Cadillac Records"), Jay Harrington ("Better off Ted") and comedian Bill Bellamy.

"I am looking forward to The Basketball Battle of the Sexes," said Duncan. "It is great to come back to my hometown as a part of the E League and have the opportunity to play against the talented women of the Chicago Sky."

"Playing against guys is nothing new for me and most of my teammates," said Sky center and USA gold medal winner Sylvia Fowles. "We grew up playing against the guys in the neighborhood parks and in college. They might be surprised as to how strong, physical, and talented we are. It will be a fun and competitive game."

The Sky is scheduled to play four pre-season games. The Sky tip-off their 2009 season on June 6 at Minnesota, and will host their season home opener on Friday, June 12 against Atlanta at the UIC Pavilion.

Fans can purchase their Battle of the Sexes tickets through a variety of packages that are available now, starting at $52, by calling 866-SKY-WNBA or by visiting www.chicagosky.net.