The WNBA has found a second national TV partner, signing a multi-year deal with CBS Sports.
The agreement, which tips off with the upcoming 2019 season, will put 40 games on CBS Sports Network. The WNBA begins its 23rd season on Friday, May 24. CBS Sports Network’s first game will be the following day between the Minnesota Lynx and the Chicago Sky.
“Through our partnership with CBS Sports Network, the WNBA is joining an elite lineup of premium sports programming,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “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.”
The WNBA has a long-standing deal with ESPN to show 16 regular season telecasts, including three on ABC.
“We are truly excited to partner with the WNBA, bringing the country’s premier women’s sports league to CBS Sports Network. This partnership is one of the biggest and most impactful women’s sports programming arrangements ever at CBS Sports, offering national exposure of 40 games per year,” Sean McManus, Chairman, CBS Sports, added. “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.”