Wnba Continues To Capitalize On Its Growing Popularity By Securing New Media-Rights Agreements. The League Is Actively Expanding Its Reach And Visibility, Aiming To Engage With A Wider Audience Through Strategic Partnerships.

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has seen a significant growth in popularity in recent years, as evidenced by the league’s newly announced media-rights agreements for the 2026 through 2036 seasons.

In a monumental development, Disney, which owns ABC and ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video have extended their partnership with the WNBA. Additionally, a new agreement has been reached with NBCUniversal (NBCU) for broadcast, cable, and streaming distribution of WNBA games.

Under this agreement, Disney will broadcast games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and stream them on ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service. NBCU will distribute games on NBC, USA Network, and/or its Peacock streaming service. Amazon will stream games on Prime Video.

The negotiated agreements are part of the NBA’s overall discussions regarding new TV rights deals for 11 years valued at a reported $76 billion. The WNBA will receive an average of $200 million per year from these agreements, which could potentially increase further with additional media partners, according to The Athletic. Currently, the national media contracts average about $50 million annually, extending until the 2025 season.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm for the partnerships, stating that they mark a monumental chapter in WNBA history. She emphasized the rising value and historic level of interest in women’s basketball, highlighting the benefit for players, teams, and fans in building a sustainable and long-term growth model for the future.

As part of the agreements, the media partners will broadcast over 125 regular-season and playoff games nationally each season. Disney platforms will feature at least 25 regular-season games, NBCU will have a minimum of 50, and Prime Video will stream 30 games. Both Disney and NBCU will also distribute games in select international markets, while Prime Video’s global reach of over 200 million Prime members further enhances the league’s visibility worldwide.

Jay Marine, global head of sports for Prime Video, expressed excitement about expanding their relationship with the WNBA through this landmark agreement. The increasing popularity of the league comes as no surprise, given the exceptional talent and electrifying performances of these incredible athletes. Marine looks forward to providing Prime members with increased access to the WNBA’s biggest events as the sport continues to attract more fans worldwide.

Now in its 28th season, the WNBA has set records in viewership, attendance, merchandise sales, social media engagement, League Pass subscriptions, and app downloads, according to the league’s statement.