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While the WNBA’s best showed off their moves at WNBA All-Star 2024, the league also was making a number of big over the past week. Here’s the latest on the WNBA’s next media rights deals and other, new possibilities and partnerships:
Should the WNBA have secured a more lucrative media rights deal?
As part of the NBA’s recent negotiations for it’s 11-year, approximately $75 billion media rights deals with Disney, NBC and Amazon, the WNBA has secured a new national media rights package worth $2.2 billion across 11 years with the three companies, allowing the league to earn approximately $200 million per year beginning with the 2026 season.
The WNBA’s current deals with Disney, Amazon, CBS and ION are worth around $50 million annually and will expire after the 2025 season. The next package could be expanded to include additional partners. According to The Athletic, the league expects to sell two more rights deals, which could result in around $60 million more annually. The prospect of the league bringing in approximately $260 million in rights fees per year far exceeds WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s stated desire to double to annual value of the current deal.
However, the WNBPA is, rightfully, not simply satisfied with the announced new deals, desiring to ensure that they appropriately and fully value the WNBA. Terri Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA, asserted:
We have wondered for months how the NBA would value the WNBA in its media rights deal. With a reportedly $75 billion deal on the table, the league is in control of its own destiny. More precisely, the NBA controls the destiny of the WNBA. We look forward to learning how the NBA arrived at a $200 million valuation—if initial reports are accurate or even close. Neither the NBA nor the WNBA can deny that in the last few years, we have seen unprecedented growth across all metrics, the players continue to demonstrate their commitment to building the brand, and that the fans keep showing up. There is no excuse to undervalue the WNBA again.
Statement from WNBPA Executive Director Terri Jackson on reported new TV deal – $2.2 billion over 11 years (The Athletic first)
“We have wondered for months how the NBA would value the WNBA in its media rights deal. With a reportedly $75 billion deal on the table, the league is…
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) July 17, 2024
At WNBA All-Star 2024, Cheryl Miller, who served as head coach of Team WNBA, was more blunt with her dissatisfaction with the deal, insisting, “That’s a lowball.” She continued, “Not enough, not even close,” implying that the value of the league as an entertainment product should approach $8 billion.
Cheryl Miller was asked about reporting about the WNBA’s next national media rights deal at $2.2 billion.
“Not enough, not even close. Two’s nice, an eight would be better… Because they know… All you have to do is look at college basketball and what’s coming next.” pic.twitter.com/TkWDb32fc7
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 20, 2024
Engelbert on a 44-game season, expansion and more
At a press conference before Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert declined to elaborate on the details of the league’s forthcoming media rights deals, simply saying:
I think we’re going to do something historic. I think once we’re able to finalize those media deals, everybody is going to understand that this is a historic time for women’s sports and the WNBA will be leading that … our next round of media deals will allow us to continue to transform this league.
However, she did share other information about the direction of the league, suggesting that the 2025 WNBA season could feature 44 games, the most allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement. Engelbert said:
We’re looking at the footprint for next year. We don’t have an international competition like the FIBA World Cup or the Olympics next year, so we’ll be able to look at our footprint without any interruption or break, like we’re breaking this year.
Cathy Engelbert says the WNBA is “looking at the footprint next year” in regards to expanding the schedule to 44 games, which is the maximum allowable under the current CBA. She also mentioned the possibility of expanding playoffs. (Q: @DougFeinberg) pic.twitter.com/oWHmvNCFcX
— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) July 20, 2024
The league also is looking at expanding its reach by holding exhibition games in Europe, Asia, Mexico City and the Middle East. Engelbert additionally indicated that the expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries likely will be held in December. She also reiterated that the league intends to expand to 16 teams by 2028.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert says they’ll announce details of expansion draft “in the coming months” with “information of how that will work” but most likely in December.
No other details less than a year before the Valkyries begin play. pic.twitter.com/Sphf4zbILs
— marisa ingemi (@Marisa_Ingemi) July 20, 2024
Lakers hire Harding
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that Lindsey Harding, the G League Coach of the Year with the Stockton Kings, will join head coach JJ Redick’s staff. Harding overlapped at Duke with Redick before she became the No. 1 pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.
ESPN Sources: Lindsey Harding — the G League coach of the year — has agreed on a deal to become an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers. Harding leaves the Kings to rejoin JJ Redick, whom she spent time with on the Sixers staff and as a Duke All-American. pic.twitter.com/O0O0Gom3ic
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2024
Mercury open practice facility, introduce Diana Taurasi Courts
On Thursday, the Phoenix Mercury officially opened the team’s sparkling new practice facility. Mercury star Kahleah Copper, in attendance for the unveiling of the $100 million facility, shared her first impression with ESPN, saying, “Oh, my jaw drop. Like, [be right back], about to go cry. How the heck did I fall into this? Is this like, am I dreaming? … Get into just the details, it’s crazy. We blessed.”
The grand opening also included a ceremony celebrating the two practice courts named for franchise legend Diana Taurasi.
WNBA connects with Bumble
Bumble, the women-first dating app, has become the WNBA’s first-ever official dating app partner, with the goal of creating spaces for women to forge meaningful connections over a shared love of the game.
The partnership launched on Thursday when Bumble served as the presenting partner of the Orange Carpet at WNBA Live, where All-Stars like the Seattle Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike showed off their most fashionable fits.
WNBA teams with New Balance
On Tuesday, the WNBA and New Balance announced a multi-year partnership, with the sportswear brand becoming an official league marketing partner. Now able to feature WNBA logos and branding, New Balance intends to create original content around Los Angeles Sparks rookie, and New Balance athlete, Cameron Brink.
OFFICIAL: New Balance has landed a multi-year deal with the WNBA to become an official league marketing partner.
Deal provides rights to use in-uniform imagery and New Balance plans to “create authentic broadcast, digital & retail content featuring WNBA rookie Cameron Brink.” pic.twitter.com/NWEDbgOZ94
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 16, 2024
WNBA partners with DraftKings
Bet on women. (But in this case, only if you have sufficient financial security and reside in a state with legal sports betting.)
Announced on Thursday, the partnership between the WNBA and DraftKings, now the league’s Official Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Partner, is a reflection of the exponentially increasing popularity of women’s basketball and sports betting. WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, a DraftKings Talent Ambassador, said of the collaboration:
Having worked alongside both DraftKings and the WNBA, I am thrilled to see these innovative brands come together and further enhance excitement and visibility around women’s sports. The WNBA is rapidly expanding its reach and DraftKings has an unmatched ability to further generate additional fan engagement. I am looking forward to seeing DraftKings elevate the WNBA’s fan experience in the midst of this record-breaking season.