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E.W. Scripps Company Extends Multi-Year Agreement with WNBA for Exclusive Broadcast Rights

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The E.W. Scripps Company, a renowned media enterprise, has signed a new multi-year agreement with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to continue airing regular season Friday night matches on ION, its premier sports network. This agreement marks the fourth year of the partnership, with ION broadcasting 50 regular season games as part of its WNBA Friday Night Spotlight series, showcasing the world-class talent of WNBA athletes to millions of fans nationwide.

The WNBA's partnership with Scripps has yielded impressive results, with average viewership for the State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight increasing by 133% year over year in 2024, attracting over 23 million unique viewers across games and wrap shows. The WNBA's Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, praised the partnership, citing the growing excitement surrounding the league and the rising demand for WNBA games.

Through this agreement, ION will continue to showcase the WNBA's Friday Night doubleheaders, solidifying its status as the premier Friday night destination for WNBA action. The Scripps Sports division, which services professional and collegiate sports leagues, conferences, and teams, has adeptly managed the partnership, providing both local market depth and national broadcast visibility that covers up to 100% of TV households.

Key Takeaways:

  • The E.W. Scripps Company has extended its multi-year agreement with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to continue airing regular season Friday night matches on ION.
  • ION will broadcast 50 regular season games as part of its WNBA Friday Night Spotlight series, showcasing the world-class talent of WNBA athletes to millions of fans nationwide.
  • The WNBA's partnership with Scripps has yielded impressive results, with average viewership for the State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight increasing by 133% year over year in 2024.
  • Over 23 million unique viewers across games and wrap shows were attracted in 2024, a significant increase from previous years.
  • The WNBA's Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, praised the partnership, citing the growing excitement surrounding the league and the rising demand for WNBA games.
  • The Scripps Sports division has adeptly managed the partnership, providing both local market depth and national broadcast visibility that covers up to 100% of TV households.
  • ION is available on pay TV, connected TV, free ad-supported streaming platforms, and over-the-air in more than 128 million homes.

Statistics:

  • 133% increase in average viewership for the State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight year over year in 2024.
  • Over 23 million unique viewers across games and wrap shows were attracted in 2024.
  • 50 regular season games will be broadcast as part of the WNBA Friday Night Spotlight series.
  • ION is available on pay TV, connected TV, free ad-supported streaming platforms, and over-the-air in more than 128 million homes.

Sources:

  • "The E.W. Scripps Company Announces Multi-Year Agreement with WNBA" (The E.W. Scripps Company, June 13, 2025)
  • "WNBA's partnership with Scripps has delivered great results" (WNBA, June 2025)
  • "ION A leading general entertainment network" (ION, June 2025)
  • "About Scripps Sports" (The E.W. Scripps Company, June 2025)
  • "About ION" (The E.W. Scripps Company, June 2025)

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