Why the WNBA’s new TV deal is the biggest bargain in sports broadcasting
Based on the WNBA’s growth trajectory, the main rights package signed just two years ago already appears like a relative steal.
The WNBA begins its 30th season Friday night with new media rights agreements that, according to a source with knowledge of the agreements, total $3. 1 billion over 10 years — or $281 million annually. For the rights holders, the WNBA is one of the best — if not the best — bargains in sports broadcasting.
Two years ago, the league secured an 11-year, $2. 2 billion deal with Disney/ABC/ESPN and Comcast/NBC/Peacock. It has since signed separate pacts with Paramount/CBS, Scripps/Ion and Versant/USA that, according to a release, will distribute 216 regular season games nationally this season.
This doesn’t include a separate deal announced this week in Canada for expansion franchise Toronto Tempo with Bell Media, which owns new rightsholder TSN. While the $2. 2 billion contract begins for the 2026 season, it was agreed upon back in July 2024 just as the NBA secured its 11-year, $76 billion deal with the same three national partners.
But based on the WNBA’s growth trajectory, $200 million a year for the main rights packages appears like a relative steal thrown in with the larger NBA package. Why? Because the WNBA’s viewership numbers are hardly an afterthought compared to other leagues.
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