The WNBA has recently secured a groundbreaking media rights deal worth $2.2 billion in an 11-year agreement with ESPN, Amazon, and NBC. This deal, approved on Tuesday, will see the league receive an average of $200 million per year, a significant increase from the current national media contracts which average about $50 million annually until the 2025 season. This new deal is a testament to the growing popularity and success of the WNBA, with the potential to be even more lucrative, according to The Athletic.
The catalyst for this monumental deal has been dubbed the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” named after the Indiana Fever guard who was the No. 1 pick in the recent league draft. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert had initially aimed to double the league’s national media rights fees, but the new deal far exceeds that goal. The partnership with the NBA played a crucial role in negotiating these contracts as part of its own rights talks, resulting in an agreement worth approximately $75 billion over 11 years with Disney, NBC, and Amazon, pending approval from the NBA’s board of governors.
In addition to the current media partners such as Disney, Ion, CBS, and Amazon, the WNBA may also have the opportunity to negotiate with new partners for two separate rights packages, potentially adding another $60 million annually. This could see the league receiving over six times its current fees, showcasing the tremendous growth potential and value of the WNBA. The league and its media partners have also agreed to reassess the rights contracts in three years to evaluate the league’s growth and the value of the deal.
This landmark media rights deal marks a significant milestone for the WNBA, highlighting the increasing recognition and demand for women’s basketball. The substantial investment from major media outlets is a testament to the talent, competitiveness, and appeal of the league, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come. With this new partnership, the WNBA is poised to reach new heights and solidify its position as a premier professional sports league.