Ion Television Secures Multiyear Broadcast Deal for WNBA Matches
In a game-changing move, the WNBA and E.W. Scripps Company have sealed a fresh multiyear deal, ensuring that ION remains the Friday night broadcast home for WNBA games. This partnership, kick-started back in 2023, shows no signs of slowing down!
Let the Doubleheader Begin!
- Friday Night Action Continues: Scripps and the WNBA have agreed to keep Friday night doubleheaders as a staple on the league's schedule. Get your popcorn ready, basketball fans!
- Weekly WNBA Show: Exciting news! The new agreement includes a weekly studio program called the WNBA on ION. It's the first of its kind, dedicated solely to the WNBA. Expect in-depth analysis and all the action!
Soaring Viewership & Increased Reach
- Rising Interest: The partnership between the WNBA and Scripps has seen a massive increase in viewership. Last season, WNBA games on ION attracted 670,000 viewers in the P2+ demographic, marking a whopping 133% increase year-over-year!
- A Broadened Audience: This collaboration helps bring the league to more folks across the nation, as over 23 million unique viewers tuned in during the 2024 season.
- Unstoppable Demand: The renewed agreement mirrors the growing excitement and demand for WNBA games, with ION establishing itself as the ultimate Friday night destination for basketball action!
The Future is Bright for Sports Broadcasting
- Expanding Horizons: This deal is part of Scripps' bigger plan to broaden its sports broadcasting ops. Tune in and stay updated on the latest sports news and trends!
- Player Representation Matters: Although the WNBPA wasn't part of these negotiations, there's hope for future inclusion, aligning with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's stance on involving players in media rights discussions.
- The WNBA-Scripps deal has established ION as the Friday night broadcast home for a doubleheader of WNBA games, ensuring the weekly action continues for basketball fans.
- In addition to the doubleheaders, the new agreement includes a weekly studio program named the WNBA on ION, offering in-depth analysis and all the action from the WNBA.
- The partnership between the WNBA and Scripps has led to a significant increase in viewership, with over 670,000 viewers in the P2+ demographic and over 23 million unique viewers tuning in during the 2024 season.
- This multiyear deal is a part of Scripps' strategy to broaden its sports broadcasting operations, reflecting the growing demand and excitement for WNBA games.
