WNBA, Scripps⁢ Extend Media Rights ⁤Deal for friday Night Games on ION

​ ⁣ ⁤Updated June 15, 2025

the Women’s National Basketball Association and E.W.‍ Scripps have ⁢announced a multiyear extension‌ to their media rights agreement. The deal ensures ⁣that ‍Friday night WNBA games will continue to be broadcast on ION, solidifying the network’s ⁣role as a key platform for the league.

The agreement also includes ‌the “WNBA on⁤ Ion” studio show, a weekly program dedicated⁢ exclusively ‍to covering the ​league. While the⁤ financial terms of the deal⁣ were not​ disclosed, reports suggest the original agreement, set to expire⁢ at⁤ the end⁣ of 2025, was ‍worth an⁣ average of $13 million per year.

ION has been airing WNBA games since‌ 2023, and this season will feature 50 regular-season games. The network is available⁤ on pay​ TV ⁤and streaming⁢ platforms in ⁤over 128 million ⁣homes, according to⁢ a release.

The extended agreement follows⁣ significant growth in WNBA ‌viewership on‌ ION,⁤ fueled by the increasing popularity of stars like caitlin Clark and ⁣Angel Reese. the network reported a 133% year-over-year increase in ‍viewership ‌for “WNBA Friday Night Spotlight,”‌ with⁢ over ⁤23 million unique viewers tuning in.

⁣ ⁢ “Our robust partnership with ‍the league has flourished, and‍ we are thrilled ​to solidify ION’s ⁤status as the ‌premier friday night destination for WNBA action‌ for years to come,” said Scripps CEO ⁤Adam Symson.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy​ Engelbert said the partnership with Scripps has been instrumental in expanding⁣ the league’s reach and visibility.

​ ‌ “This new multi-year agreement reflects the ⁢growing excitement ⁢surrounding the league and the rising demand for ⁢WNBA games,”⁤ she said.
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the WNBA also has an 11-year media rights deal with Disney, Amazon,⁢ and Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, valued ⁣at approximately $200 million annually.This deal was part of​ the NBA’s media rights negotiations last July.

What’s next

The extended partnership​ between the WNBA and Scripps promises to further elevate⁣ the ⁣league’s profile and bring women’s basketball to⁣ an even wider audience.The focus on Friday night games and dedicated studio coverage aims to capitalize on the growing interest in the WNBA and its star players, solidifying its role in the sports media landscape.