WNBA renews media rights care for Scripps

The WNBA and E.W. Scripps introduced on Friday a brand new, multi-year media rights settlement to hold Friday evening WNBA matchups on Ion.

The new settlement additionally comprises the “WNBA on Ion” studio display, the primary weekly broadcast display devoted solely to WNBA protection.

The worth of the deal was once no longer disclosed, however media experiences peg the unique deal that expires on the finish of the 2025 season at a mean of $13 million yearly.

The WNBA has been airing video games on Ion since 2023. This season, the community will broadcast 50 common season video games. Ion is to be had on pay TV and streaming platforms in additional than 128 million properties, in line with a information unlock.

The new settlement comes after Ion has observed large enlargement with the WNBA and because the league positive factors in recognition because of stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

The community mentioned WNBA Friday Night Spotlight viewership grew 133% 12 months over 12 months and greater than 23 million distinctive audience tuned into the protection.

“Our robust partnership with the league has flourished, and we are thrilled to solidify ION’s status as the premier Friday night destination for WNBA action for years to come,” mentioned Scripps CEO Adam Symson within the unlock.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert mentioned the partnership with Scripps has helped the league make bigger its achieve and visibility.

“This new multi-year agreement reflects the growing excitement surrounding the league and the rising demand for WNBA games,” she added.

The league signed an 11-year media rights care for Disney, Amazon and Comcast-owned NBCUniversal ultimate July as a part of the NBA’s media rights negotiation. The WNBA’s portion of the deal is valued at about $200 million according to 12 months, CNBC in the past reported.

— CNBC’s Lillian Rizzo contributed to this record.

Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the dad or mum corporate of CNBC.