WNBA Extends Multi-Year Media Rights Deal with ION Amid 133% Viewership Surge

The WNBA and Scripps have reached a multiyear media rights deal to continue airing regular-season Friday night games on ION Network, starting in the 2026 season. ION, which began broadcasting these games in 2023 under a three-year deal reportedly worth $13 million annually, has seen a 39% year-over-year increase in average viewership, with some games drawing over 800,000 viewers. The rise in viewership has been partly attributed to star players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, whose debuts drew significant audience numbers. ION's broadcast reach extends to over 128 million homes through various platforms, including pay TV and streaming services, further expanding the league's visibility. Despite the ongoing partnership, members of the Women's National Basketball Players Association were reportedly not involved in the negotiations, though the league commissioner supports greater union representation in future deals. Additionally, the WNBA has a separate 11-year media rights agreement starting next season with Disney, NBC, and Amazon, valued at approximately $200 million annually.