In a groundbreaking move mirroring their NBA counterparts, the WNBA has finalized a lucrative 11-year media rights agreement with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, significantly elevating the league’s profile and financial standing.
Starting from the 2026 season, this comprehensive deal consolidates the WNBA’s broadcasting rights primarily among three major partners, reducing the current five-partner lineup. Valued at approximately $200 million per season, totaling $2.2 billion over the contract term, the agreement marks a substantial increase from the previous $60 million per season deal expiring in 2025. Additional partners may join before the new deal commences, according to WNBA officials.
The announcement coincides with a historic $76 billion NBA rights deal also involving Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon. This underscores a robust sports-TV arms race as media giants strive to bolster their streaming platforms and attract sizable live event audiences on linear networks.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment, reflecting unprecedented interest and value in women’s basketball. She emphasized the deal’s role in fostering long-term growth and sustainability for the league, benefiting players, teams, and fans alike.
Under the terms, Disney platforms, including ESPN and ABC, will broadcast a minimum of 25 regular-season WNBA games. NBCUniversal will air at least 50 games across its channels, with a significant presence on streaming service Peacock. Amazon Prime Video secures rights to stream at least 30 games, expanding global access to WNBA content.
Disney will showcase a substantial portion of playoff games, including two first-round series annually, eight semifinals, and five finals over the deal’s duration. NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime Video will also broadcast playoff matchups, each featuring one first-round series annually, seven semifinals, and three finals.
ESPN retains exclusive rights to the WNBA All-Star weekend and the WNBA draft, having been a key partner since the league’s inception. Prime Video will continue streaming the Commissioner’s Cup final game and offer WNBA League Pass through its Prime Video Channels.
This agreement marks NBC’s return as a WNBA broadcaster for the first time since 2002, underscoring a commitment to showcasing the league’s talented athletes and bolstering NBCUniversal’s women’s sports lineup.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed pride in the longstanding partnership with the WNBA, highlighting their role in enhancing the league’s growth trajectory and ESPN’s digital strategy.
Global Head of Sports for Prime Video, Jay Marine, affirmed their continued belief in the WNBA’s potential, noting the league’s surging popularity and its ability to captivate fans worldwide.
The WNBA’s expanded media rights deal represents a monumental step forward, promising broader visibility and enhanced fan engagement as the league continues to thrive and inspire.
