The WNBA has experienced a significant increase in attention this season thanks to a highly acclaimed rookie class, led by Caitlin Clark, attracting more viewers to the women’s game than in recent years. It appears that the networks broadcasting the games believe this upward trend will continue for the foreseeable future.
Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the WNBA’s new media package is valued at around $2.2 billion over 11 years. This deal was negotiated by the NBA as part of its own massive media rights agreement, and negotiations were conducted with the same networks—resulting in TNT also being out of the picture unless its parent company chooses to match the offers made to the leagues.
This new deal is a major win for the WNBA, as Vorkunov points out that it will bring in approximately $200 million annually, compared to the previous $50 million rights deal. This fourfold increase in revenue will greatly benefit the league as a whole.
With more money coming in from media rights, players and teams will have access to increased funds. This means better deals for free agents based on their value, and top-tier rookies like Clark and Angel Reese can expect to earn more than $100,000 annually when they enter the league. The additional revenue may also lead to improvements in facilities that benefit both players and fans.
Perhaps most significantly, this is a substantial financial investment in the WNBA’s future. While celebrating the viewership records set this season is enjoyable for fans, the fact that networks are willing to invest billions in the league’s future is a strong indication that women’s basketball is here to stay in the sports world. With the exciting storylines surrounding the young talent that has sparked increased interest this year, sports fans have reason to be excited.
This is a significant development for the WNBA and may signal even greater things to come.
