Home / Sports / WNBA Inks 11-Year Media Rights Deal with USA Network
WNBA Inks 11-Year Media Rights Deal with USA Network
30 Sep
Summary
- WNBA signs 11-year media rights deal with Versant to air games on USA Network
- Deal includes at least 50 regular-season games annually and WNBA Playoffs/Finals
- Expands WNBA's national media coverage, building visibility and accessibility
In a significant move for the WNBA, the league has announced an 11-year media rights deal with Versant to air games on USA Network starting in 2026. Under the multi-year agreement, USA Network will present at least 50 WNBA games each season, including coverage of the WNBA Playoffs and WNBA Finals in select years.
This new partnership expands the WNBA's national media coverage, which was previously secured through deals with Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBC in 2024. The league's Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, stated that this agreement will "showcase the excitement of the WNBA to more households than ever before and further elevate the incredible athletes in this league."
Versant's president of sports, Matt Hong, expressed the company's pride in expanding its partnership with the WNBA. USA Network will feature Wednesday night doubleheaders and a pregame/postgame studio show, providing a consistent primetime destination for WNBA fans. The league also has a separate deal with the ION network for Friday night games.
This landmark deal is expected to further drive the growth and visibility of the WNBA, as the league continues to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with its players' union.
