ESPN to Launch New Women’s Sports Programming

ESPN is introducing a new program to fill the gap left by the end of “Sunday Night Baseball.” This summer, they will kick off “Women’s Sports Sundays,” showcasing the WNBA and NWSL’s top games over a nine-week series that features 12 prime-time matchups.

The initiative will also include studio shows, along with coverage across ESPN’s digital and social media platforms.

Such a move to invest more in women’s sports comes as ESPN has seen an uptick in viewership. For instance, last season, WNBA games attracted an average of 1.3 million viewers, reflecting a 6% increase on ESPN and ABC.

Additionally, the NWSL championship match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit drew 1.18 million viewers on CBS, a significant 22% rise from the previous year.

Rosalyn Durant, ESPN’s executive vice president of programming and acquisitions, remarked that the momentum in women’s sports is strong. She emphasized that “Women’s Sports Sunday” aims to not only showcase the games but also create a regular, high-profile space that highlights the passion, excellence, and cultural significance of women’s sports today. It’s about providing female athletes and leagues with the platform they deserve.

ESPN noted that details regarding the games and talent for the series will be revealed later. Interestingly, this summer will also mark the first time in 36 years that “Sunday Night Baseball” won’t feature in the network’s lineup.

Moving forward, Sunday MLB games will now be broadcast on NBC, where they’re still shaping their game offerings. Former MLB players Joey Votto and Anthony Rizzo are anticipated to be involved in the network’s coverage.