Roughly one month out from tip-off of the 23rd WNBA season, the league reveals that one of the big four television entities has had its “eye” on women’s basketball.
Breaking news! 🚨
WNBA and @CBSSports announce multi-year television partnership! 📺
Full release: https://t.co/1vT27kwzPr pic.twitter.com/oqkKdSL4Wf
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 22, 2019
Yesterday, it was announced that CBS Sports had agreed to a multi-year contract with the WNBA. It gives the W another television partner along with ESPN and ABC as well as NBA TV.
While specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed, it was announced that it would begin this year with 40 games airing on CBS Sports Network.
CBS Sports will utilize the same method NBA TV has used over the years with airing WNBA games where it will simulcast local feeds. Interestingly, enough, the only team without a home game on CBS Sports’ schedule is the New York Liberty, who have yet to announce a new television partner after the sale to Joe Tsai’s investment group.
A look at the CBS Sports Network WNBA Schedule for the 2019 season. This is a very good thing. pic.twitter.com/FSuCOWGDIU
— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) April 22, 2019
The first game CBS Sports will air will take place on May 25 when the Minnesota Lynx host the Chicago Sky at Target Center. The Sky are now coached by James Wade, a former Lynx assistant under Cheryl Reeve.
The Las Vegas Aces will be featured on CBS Sports Network eight times with the defending champion Seattle Storm receiving six appearances on CBS Sports Network.
We thank CBS Sports for making such a meaningful commitment to women’s basketball and for providing another platform to showcase the world-class athletes of the WNBA.
–Adam Silver, NBA commissioner (press release)
This agreement provides great live content throughout the summer in primetime and on weekends, and aligns two great brands in the WNBA and CBS Sports. We look forward to working with the WNBA for many years to come.
–Sean McManus, CBS sports chairman (press release)
Exciting news and such a step forward for women’s team sports. Looking forward to watching @WNBA games on @CBSSports! #progress https://t.co/SimVCxLXhk
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 22, 2019
This is enormous. WNBA and CBS have reached a deal, with 40 games being televised this year. pic.twitter.com/qE2nkKq7D4
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) April 22, 2019
Putting the #WNBA on CBSSN isn’t the sexiest deal in the world, but it’s the potential for better and more in the future that I find intriguing.
This is our summer to show CBS we’re watching and engaged.
— Kurtis (@fromkurtis) April 22, 2019
