The WNBA is picking up another platform for next season.
The NBA announced Tuesday that “at least” 50 WNBA games will air on USA Network beginning next season, including playoffs — and finals games in select years.
The deal is part of the 11-year TV pact the NBA signed with ESPN, Amazon, and NBCUniversal in 2024. NBC is spinning off its cable networks, including USA Network and Golf Channel, into a new company called Versant on Jan. 1, 2026.
“We’re incredibly proud to expand our multi-year partnership with the WNBA,” Versant’s president of sports Matt Hong said in a statement. “USA Network will be a destination for WNBA viewers all season long, as we showcase the star power across the league in our marquee Wednesday night doubleheaders and build toward the intensity of the WNBA Playoffs and WNBA Finals.”
In the WNBA’s new TV deal, the playoffs—and finals—are slated to rotate between ESPN, Amazon, and NBC platforms. As the postseason takes place during football season, when NBC is slammed with Notre Dame, Big Ten, and Sunday Night Football on the weekends, it makes sense for some of the WNBA games to air on USA Network rather than being relegated to graveyard time slots.
“As demand for women’s basketball continues to rise, partnerships like this expand the visibility and accessibility of our game. By establishing a weekly primetime destination for fans, this agreement will showcase the excitement of the WNBA to more households than ever before and further elevate the incredible athletes in this league,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
Other sports under Versant’s umbrella include WWE Smackdown, NASCAR, a slew of golf rights (including PGA Tour, the Open Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the LPGA), the English Premier League, and the NWSL.
