A New Era of Visibility: WNBA's Unprecedented Broadcast Expansion
Setting New Standards: The WNBA's Landmark Broadcast Agreement
The WNBA's 2026 season will witness a groundbreaking 216 games and major events aired across national television channels, a new record for the league. This extensive coverage is a cornerstone of its fresh media rights agreement, unveiled recently. The roster of broadcasters includes long-standing collaborators such as the Walt Disney Company (encompassing ABC and ESPN), Amazon Prime Video, CBS/Paramount+, and Scripps' ION network. This diversified media landscape reflects a strategic effort to enhance the league's reach and engage a broader audience.
Welcoming New Partners: Expanding the WNBA's Media Footprint
Adding to its robust broadcast portfolio, the 2026 season introduces new media partners: NBCUniversal, with its platforms NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN, and the USA Network. These fresh collaborations are set to further amplify the WNBA's presence across various viewing platforms, from traditional television to streaming services, ensuring fans have more avenues than ever to follow their favorite teams and players.
A Season of Growth: Record Games and Team Expansion
With the integration of two new expansion teams, the upcoming season will feature an all-time high of 330 regular-season games. Each of the 15 teams in the league is scheduled to play 44 games, signaling a significant increase in competitive action and a richer experience for fans. This expansion not only creates more opportunities for players but also brings the excitement of the WNBA to new cities and fan bases.
Disney's Enduring Commitment: A Pillar of WNBA Coverage
The Walt Disney Company remains a crucial partner, slated to broadcast 30 games during this milestone 30th season. ABC, a key component of Disney's sports coverage, will air 13 of these contests, matching its highest number ever. This includes an anticipated season-opening doubleheader on May 9, featuring a compelling matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings, followed by a WNBA Finals rematch pitting the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces against the Phoenix Mercury.
Amazon Prime and NBC's Resurgence: Digital and Traditional Reach
Amazon Prime Video is also set to deliver 30 regular-season games, complementing the league's three-decade celebration, and will exclusively stream the Commissioner's Cup championship game. NBC, a network with historical ties to the WNBA having aired its inaugural game in 1997, makes a welcome return. It will feature seven Sunday games, while its streaming platform, Peacock, will offer live broadcasts of regular-season games and all WNBA Finals matchups, which will also be available on NBC or USA Network.
Diverse Broadcast Platforms: Comprehensive Coverage for Fans
The USA Network is poised to broadcast 48 regular-season games, making it a significant contributor to the season's coverage. ION leads the pack, offering 50 games through its dedicated "State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight" series. CBS, building on its success from last season's primetime WNBA broadcast, will air eight primetime games. Furthermore, NBA TV, a long-standing partner entering its 24th year of WNBA distribution, will broadcast 15 games. For ultimate flexibility, WNBA League Pass will provide live game access (with local blackout restrictions) and next-day availability for all games via the WNBA app and website, ensuring fans never miss a moment of the action.