WNBA Expands 11-Year Media Rights Portfolio to $3.1 Billion as National TV Games Reach 216
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 11
WNBA Expands 11-Year Media Rights Portfolio to $3.1 Billion as National TV Games Reach 216
5 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 11
$3.1 billion is the WNBA’s new estimated value for its 11-year media-rights portfolio after adding USA Sports and renewing deals with Paramount and Scripps.
The expanded package lifts average annual rights fees to about $281 million from roughly $43 million under the league’s previous deal, underscoring how sharply media demand has risen.
216 of 330 regular-season games will air on national platforms this season, up from just 15 when commissioner Cathy Engelbert took over, giving the league broader reach across ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, CBS, Ion, Prime Video, USA Network and NBA TV.
That wider distribution also fragments viewing, with fans needing multiple subscriptions; Engelbert said even she pays for 18 services and acknowledged the cost and confusion.
Reset provisions after the 2028 season could let the WNBA reopen terms again if its popularity keeps climbing, giving the league another chance to raise rights values.
With games now on nine platforms, will the WNBA's media strategy alienate fans and stall its unprecedented growth?
Is the WNBA's historic revenue-sharing model built to last or destined for future conflict between players and owners?