Basketball Battle of the Sexes

Chicago Sky squares off against celebrity E League team

The first battle of the sexes was held back in 1973 when Bobby Riggs squared off against tennis great Billie Jean King. It really wasn't much of a battle, as King crushed her mouthy competitor.

We're thinking the same outcome is possible on Tuesday, when the Chicago Sky WNBA team takes on an all-male team from the Entertainment League (E League).

The E League is made up of film, TV and music celebrities, including actors Michael Clark Duncan, Larenz Tate, Frankie Munoz and Donald Faison, musicians Brian McKnight and Nelly, and comedian Bill Bellamy.

Battle of the Sexes Promo

The game will be played with official WNBA rules, referees and the smaller women's ball.

But even though the teams are made up of celebs, the E League is just that -- a league in its 12th year with a 15-game schedule, plus playoffs.

The Sky players expect a challenge and are out to win. It's their fourth preseason game before the season kicks off June 6.

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

The game kicks at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the UIC Pavilion. Click here for ticket information.

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