ESPN is significantly expanding its commitment to women’s sports with the launch of “Women’s Sports Sundays,” a new primetime programming franchise dedicated to live games from the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The initiative, set to debut this summer, aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of both leagues and fill the Sunday night slot previously occupied by Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Sunday Night Baseball.
The new schedule will feature 12 live games across nine consecutive weeks, offering a consistent platform for women’s sports and providing increased visibility for athletes, and teams. This move underscores a broader trend of women’s professional sports receiving prominent scheduling on major networks, reflecting a surge in viewership and fan engagement. ESPN’s decision comes as NBC also builds a year-round Sunday night live-sports portfolio, including NFL, NBA, and MLB, demonstrating the increasing value networks place on live sports programming.
“Women’s sports are experiencing continued momentum, and Women’s Sports Sundays is ESPN’s next step in meeting that demand,” said Rosalyn Durant, ESPN executive vice president of programming and acquisitions. “This franchise is about more than showcasing games — it’s about building a consistent, high-profile destination that reflects the passion, excellence and cultural impact of women’s sports today, while giving athletes and leagues the stage they deserve.”
New Media Rights Deals Fuel Expansion
The launch of “Women’s Sports Sundays” coincides with the first season of new media rights deals for the WNBA, part of a larger 11-year, US$75 billion agreement between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and broadcasters Amazon, ESPN, and NBC. The WNBA games within this package are estimated to be worth US$2.2 billion, or US$200 million annually, according to reports. ESPN’s commitment includes airing a minimum of 25 regular season contests, eight semi-final series games, and five WNBA Finals games over the lifetime of the contract.
ESPN’s investment in the NWSL is also substantial. The network is entering its third year of a four-year pact with the league, and will broadcast 36 live games in 2026, including all eight matches on ‘Decision Day’ – the final day of the regular season. The network will also air two quarterfinal and one semifinal postseason game. NWSL TV ratings were up 22 percent from 2024 to 2025, and the league’s 2025 championship game set a new TV record with nearly 1.2 million viewers.
Expanding the Women’s Sports Landscape
The rise in viewership for women’s sports is evident across multiple platforms. The WNBA’s “Friday Night Spotlight” deal on ION averaged nearly 630,000 viewers per game during the 2025 season. LOVB, the women’s professional volleyball league, has also seen success on USA Network, averaging 115,000 viewers per game in its initial weeks. The NWSL also has existing primetime deals with Amazon Prime Video on Friday nights and ION on Saturdays.
This expanded coverage on ESPN, alongside existing deals, creates a more accessible and consistent viewing experience for fans. The network plans to support “Women’s Sports Sundays” with studio programming, storytelling, and extensive digital and social media coverage, aiming to deepen fan engagement and amplify the voices of athletes and leagues.
The move by ESPN reflects a broader industry recognition of the growing commercial viability and cultural impact of women’s sports. As Rosalyn Durant noted, the initiative is about more than just broadcasting games; it’s about creating a dedicated space for women’s sports within the mainstream sports conversation.
Looking ahead, the success of “Women’s Sports Sundays” will likely influence future programming decisions and further investment in women’s sports across the industry. The 2026 season promises to be a pivotal year for both the WNBA and NWSL, with increased visibility and a growing fanbase. Fans can expect more details regarding specific game matchups and broadcast talent to be announced in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on ESPN’s new initiative? Share your comments below and let us realize what you’re most excited to observe on “Women’s Sports Sundays.”
