WNBA Signs a Big New 11-Year TV Deal With USA Network

The WNBA announced today that it has signed a new media rights deal with VERSANT, the parent company of the USA Network. According to league Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the new TV deal will run through 2036. Per the deal, the USA Network will air at least 50 games per year.

Details Of the New TV Deal

The deal calls for USA Network to air marquee doubleheader matchups on Wednesday nights. USA has promised to air dedicated pre-game and post-game studio shows to bookend coverage. The deal also includes partial coverage of the playoffs, including the WNBA Finals, in select years, starting next season. The league did not announce the financial details of the deal on Tuesday. USA and the WNBA originally agreed to an 11-year deal in 2024. The new deal expands on that game package, according to Tuesday’s announcement.

Money Matters

While the financials of this deal were not announced, the increased media coverage is something the league desperately needed. The WNBA has failed to turn a profit throughout its nearly three-decade history. Part of that is due to poor leadership. Partial blame can also be attributed to the NBA. The NBA and WNBA each own 42% of the league, with outside investors holding the remaining 16%. The NBA still has great control over the women’s league and has been hesitant, at times, to fully commit to its success financially.

Deals like the one announced today, if the financials are good, could go a long way toward the league finally running in the black. The league is the most popular it has ever been right now. Marketable stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson have pushed the league more into the mainstream. Attendance and ratings are at all-time highs. Expanded television coverage will be key as the league expands its markets with new teams in the upcoming seasons.