NCAA Women’s Basketball Coverage Deal: The Breakdown
The NCAA and ESPN have recently finalized a groundbreaking eight-year, $920 million media rights deal, which expands coverage of NCAA Championships, including women’s basketball. This new agreement, effective from September 1st, 2024, encompasses 40 Championship events, with 21 focused on women’s sports. Women’s basketball is a major focus of the deal, continuing its rise in popularity after record-breaking viewership in recent seasons. The partnership will provide over 2,300 hours of Championship content, greatly enhancing the visibility of student-athletes across a variety of sports.
This deal marks a significant step for women's sports, particularly basketball, which has seen dramatic growth in audience numbers. The annual value of the women's basketball coverage is estimated at $65 million, highlighting the increasing commercial potential of the sport. By expanding both domestic and international coverage, ESPN and the NCAA aim to capitalize on the growing interest in women's sports, providing broader exposure and opportunities for athletes to shine on a global stage. This partnership strengthens the NCAA and its long-standing relationship with ESPN, ensuring comprehensive, multi-platform coverage.
The deal also brings broader benefits to college sports as a whole. It signals a shift towards more equitable attention for women’s Championships, in line with the sport's increasing prominence. By covering a range of Championships, including softball, volleyball, and gymnastics, the agreement promotes a more diverse range of sports, helping to elevate athletes and their programs. Overall, this partnership will play a crucial role in continuing the momentum of women’s sports. As well, it will reinforce the NCAA's commitment to providing a platform for student-athlete success.
