The WNBA and the E.W. Scripps Company have reached a new multiyear media rights agreement that will result in Ion continuing to air Friday night league matchups. In addition, the new deal also includes a weekly WNBA on Ion studio program, marking the first weekly broadcast show presenting exclusive coverage of the Association. The new agreement comes after WNBA games on Ion last season averaged 670,000 viewers in the P2+ demographic, marking a 133% year-over-year increase in this regard.
“The WNBA’s partnership with Scripps has already delivered great results in expanding the league’s reach and visibility,” Cathy Engelbert, commissioner of the WNBA, said in a statement. “This new multi-year agreement reflects the growing excitement surrounding the league and the rising demand for WNBA games. Through Scripps’ ION Network Friday Night doubleheaders, we will continue to showcase the world-class talent of WNBA athletes to even more fans nationwide.”
The two entities first started working together in 2023 when the league became the first property airing under the Scripps Sports division of the company, and its Friday night games flourished last season with more than 23 million unique viewers viewing the coverage. Outside of WNBA basketball, Scripps Sports works with various professional sports teams for regional broadcasts, some of whom include the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, Utah Mammoth and Las Vegas Aces. The division also airs games within the National Women’s Soccer League and Big Sky Conference matchups.
“Since 2023, the WNBA Friday Night Spotlight on ION has enhanced the accessibility and reach of WNBA games for fans nationwide,” Adam Symson, president and chief executive officer of the E.W. Scripps Company, said in a statement. “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.”
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