ESPN to Air WNBA & NWSL Games on ‘Women’s Sports Sundays’

ESPN is launching “Women’s Sports Sundays,” a new initiative to broadcast live games from the WNBA and NWSL in primetime on its main linear channel throughout the summer. This move fills a programming slot previously occupied by Major League Baseball’s Sunday Night Baseball and signals a significant investment in women’s sports programming.

Expanding Coverage of Women’s Sports

The initiative will feature 12 live games over nine consecutive weeks. Rosalyn Durant, ESPN executive vice president of programming and acquisitions, stated that “Women’s Sports Sundays” is “ESPN’s next step in meeting that demand,” acknowledging the growing momentum of women’s sports. Durant also emphasized the goal of building a consistent, high-profile platform for women athletes and leagues.

Did You Know? The value of WNBA games as part of the NBA’s new media rights deals is believed to be US$2.2 billion, or US$200 million a year.

New Media Rights Deals Fuel Growth

The 2026 WNBA season will be the first under new media rights agreements, which are part of the NBA’s 11-year US$75 billion contracts with Amazon, ESPN, and NBC. ESPN will broadcast a minimum of 25 regular season contests, eight semi-final series, and five WNBA finals over the duration of its contract.

ESPN’s commitment extends to the NWSL as well. The broadcaster is entering its third year of a four-year agreement with the NWSL, and will air 36 live games in 2026, including all eight ‘Decision Day’ matches – the league’s final regular season round. ESPN and ABC will also broadcast two NWSL quarterfinal and one semifinal game in the postseason.

Expert Insight: The restructuring of ESPN’s Sunday night programming to prioritize WNBA and NWSL games demonstrates a strategic shift towards recognizing and capitalizing on the increasing popularity of women’s sports, potentially attracting new viewership and revenue streams.

The shift in programming could lead to increased visibility for WNBA and NWSL athletes and teams, potentially fostering greater fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities. Analysts expect that continued investment in women’s sports broadcasting could further accelerate the growth of these leagues. It is also possible that other networks may follow suit, increasing the overall coverage of women’s sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Women’s Sports Sundays”?

“Women’s Sports Sundays” is a new ESPN initiative that will air 12 live games from the WNBA and NWSL in a primetime Sunday night slot over nine consecutive weeks.

What media rights deals are impacting WNBA coverage?

The upcoming 2026 WNBA season is covered by new media rights deals that are part of the NBA’s 11-year US$75 billion contracts with Amazon, ESPN, and NBC.

How many NWSL games will ESPN air in 2026?

ESPN and ABC will air 36 live NWSL games during 2026, including all eight matches on ‘Decision Day’, as well as two quarterfinals and one semi-final game in the postseason.

How will this increased coverage impact the future of women’s sports?

ESPN to Air WNBA & NWSL Games on ‘Women’s Sports Sundays’ | 2026 Schedule