Scripps Sports launched late last year with an eye on landing sports rights for the 61 local television stations it currently owns. On Thursday, the company announced its first deal.
Scripps Sports has struck a multi-year agreement with the WNBA for a Friday night package dubbed WNBA Friday Night Spotlight in two separate windows from May 26th through September 8th.
The WNBA broadcasts will air on ION, which marks the first sports property to air on the network.
“Scripps is fully committed to serving and growing the number of American women’s basketball fans who value the athleticism, professionalism, and excitement the WNBA brings into their living rooms,” said Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson.
Both national and regional broadcasts will be available in the two windows airing the broadcasts according to Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor.
“We will have every game. We’ll be able to distribute it on a national basis. But also localize every game. Sort of like CBS and Fox do on Sunday afternoons (with the NFL).”
Scripps Sports has been viewed as a potential savior for MLB clubs who could see their local television rights reclaimed after the downfall of the Bally Sports and AT&T SportsNet regional sports networks. ION was also reported to be in negotiations with the Pac-12 for its upcoming television rights deal, according to The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy. However, that report was refuted by other college football reporters.
According to a report from Variety, ION was the 11th most-watched television network in 2022, behind HGTV and the Hallmark Channel, but above outlets like TNT, TBS, CNN, and The CW.
“Access to watch WNBA games is in high demand, and Scripps’ dedicated Friday night lineup of WNBA games on ION will become much-desired appointment viewing for WNBA fans,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
