ESPN is extending Women’s Sports Sundays into fall 2026. The franchise adds volleyball, WNBA, NWSL and boxing coverage across 11 straight weeks.
What We Know: The network launched Women’s Sports Sundays this summer, filling the void left when Sunday Night Baseball moved to NBC. Now the franchise expands for fall, starting September 13. Over 11 consecutive weeks, the network will air women’s college volleyball, NWSL, WNBA playoffs, and boxing. In addition, some women’s college basketball and WTGL events will be announced.
What They Said: Susie Piotrkowski, ESPN Vice President, Women’s Sports Programming & espnW: “Following this summer’s inaugural run of Women’s Sports Sundays, we are excited to continue building this franchise through a tremendous amount of collaboration and intentionality. Women’s Sports Sundays is a unique, growing franchise that showcases the full power of our women’s sports portfolio. With this expansion we are continuing to do what we do best – serving both established and new women’s sports fans anytime, anywhere.”
What Remains Unclear: Specific details for Women’s College Basketball and WTGL coverage haven’t been announced yet. Meanwhile, the October 11 WNBA semifinal start time depends on playoff results. It’s also unclear whether fall ratings will match last summer’s strong debut numbers. Moreover, through the first three weeks of the campaign, WNBA games on Women’s Sports Sundays averaged 1.04 million viewers.
What It Means: This expansion shows ESPN continues to bet on women’s sports as a year-round draw, not a seasonal experiment. Consequently, the network strengthens its case as a premier destination for female athletes and fans alike. Moreover, adding volleyball and boxing broadens the audience the network can reach. Ultimately, Women’s Sports Sundays looks built to last.
| Date | Time | Matchup / Event |
|---|---|---|
| Sun., Sep. 13 | 5 p.m. | College Volleyball – Paradise Invitational: Winner vs. Winner |
| Sun., Sep. 13 | 8 p.m. | College Volleyball: UCLA at Utah |
| Sun., Sep. 20 | 5 p.m. | NWSL: Chicago Stars vs. Washington Spirit |
| Sun., Sep. 27 | 5 p.m. | NWSL: Bay FC vs. Orlando Pride |
| Sun., Sep. 27 | 8:30 p.m. | College Volleyball: Stanford at Pitt |
| Sun., Oct. 4 | 5 p.m. | College Volleyball: Iowa State at Arizona State |
| Sun., Oct. 4 | 8:30 p.m. | College Volleyball: Kentucky at Florida |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | 1 p.m. | College Volleyball: Stanford at Louisville |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | 3 p.m. | College Volleyball: Pitt at SMU vs. |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | 2 or 4 p.m. | WNBA Playoffs: Semifinal, Game 4 (if necessary) |
| Sun., Oct. 18 | 5 p.m. | NWSL: Bay FC vs. Portland Thorns FC |
| Sun., Oct. 18 | 8:30 p.m. | College Volleyball: Florida at Texas |
| Sun., Oct. 25 | 5 p.m. | NWSL: Kansas City vs. Washington |
| Sun., Oct. 25 | 8:30 p.m. | College Volleyball: Stanford at North Carolina |
| Sun., Nov. 1 | 5 p.m. | NWSL: Decision Day |
| Sun., Nov. 8 | 8:30 p.m. | MVPW-07: Turhan vs. Baumgardner |
| Sun., Nov. 15 | 8:30 p.m. | College Volleyball: Louisville at Pitt |
| Sun., Nov. 29 | 6 p.m. | NCAA Volleyball Selection Special |
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