A major element of the WNBA’s growth these past few years has not only been expanded media coverage from those outlets covering the league, but also an expansion in the number of games aired on television.
In North America, WNBA contests can be seen on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, CBS Sports Network, NBA TV, TSN and SportsNet in addition to on regional sports networks such as YES Network, Spectrum SportsNet and four Sinclair-owned Fox Sports Networks.
Sports channels in the UK are taking notice – and want to make access to the W more widespread across the pond.
Sky Sports’ YouTube channel will air more live women’s sports – including the WNBA. It also plans a greater investment in women’s programming and women’s sports content. Sky Sports also hopes to make a foray into women’s cricket, women’s netball and women’s rugby among other offerings.
SportsProMedia is reporting that Sky Sports is planning an “Extraordinary Women” series in addition to documentaries.
Sky Sports has been a longstanding partner and champion of women’s sport and this is a natural next step to ensure that brand new audiences are able to connect with the drama and excitement created by the players and teams.
–Rob Webster, Sky Sports managing director (Sports Pro Media)
This digital-led initiative will bring more sporting stories to new audiences with the ambition of creating long-term connections for both existing and future generations.
–Georgina Faulkner, Sky Sports multi sports director (Sports Pro Media)
