The WNBA signed an expanded 11-year media rights deal with Versant, the soon-to-be-spun-off cable arm of NBCUniversal, to broadcast over 50 games annually on USA Network. The new pact, required by Versant's separation from its parent company, solidifies a key primetime spot for the league starting in 2026.
- Primetime play: The partnership runs through 2036 and will make Wednesday nights on USA Network a new destination for WNBA fans, featuring a marquee doubleheader backed by dedicated studio shows. The rights also include playoff games and, according to Sports Business Journal, will give USA Network the WNBA Finals in three of the next 11 years.
- Riding the boom: For Versant, the deal provides a major building block for its new, sports-focused identity as it prepares to operate independently. The investment is fueled by the WNBA's exploding popularity, which saw playoff viewership surge 164 percent over 2023, turning the league into a must-have media property. The move aligns with Versant’s stated strategy of targeting high-growth leagues, with a particular focus on women’s sports.
The pact solidifies an already crowded and lucrative media landscape for the league. For the 2026 season, the WNBA will have games broadcast across a roster of partners including Disney, Amazon, and Scripps, with an extension for its CBS Sports deal also reportedly in the works.
The WNBA deal is a major play in Versant's strategy to build a live sports powerhouse, joining an existing portfolio that includes WWE Smackdown, NASCAR, and the English Premier League. But the new company isn't just a collection of cable channels; the spin-off also bundles in well-known digital media brands like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes.
