ESPN will replace its long-running “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcast with live coverage of games from the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) this summer, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism.
The fresh programming block, dubbed ‘Women’s Sports Sundays,’ will feature 12 live games across nine consecutive weeks, beginning this summer. The shift comes after ESPN restructured its media rights deal with Major League Baseball, according to reports. Rosalyn Durant, ESPN executive vice president of programming and acquisitions, stated that the initiative is designed to capitalize on the growing momentum of women’s sports and provide a consistent, high-profile platform for athletes and leagues.
“Women’s sports are experiencing continued momentum, and Women’s Sports Sundays is ESPN’s next step in meeting that demand,” Durant said. “This franchise is about more than showcasing games — it’s about building a consistent, high-profile destination that reflects the passion, excellence and cultural impact of women’s sports today, while giving athletes and leagues the stage they deserve.”
The launch of ‘Women’s Sports Sundays’ coincides with the first season of a new 11-year, US$75 billion media rights agreement between the NBA and three broadcasters: Amazon, ESPN, and NBC. The WNBA component of this deal is valued at US$2.2 billion, or US$200 million annually. ESPN’s commitment includes airing a minimum of 25 regular season contests, eight semi-final series games, and five WNBA Finals games over the life of the contract.
ESPN’s investment in the NWSL will also continue, marking the third year of a four-year agreement. The network, along with ABC, is scheduled to broadcast 36 live NWSL games in 2026, including all eight matches on ‘Decision Day,’ the league’s final regular season round. The postseason coverage will extend to two quarterfinal and one semifinal match.
The decision to replace “Sunday Night Baseball” with women’s sports programming has sparked a backlash from some baseball fans, with some expressing their discontent online. Though, ESPN’s move reflects a broader trend of increasing investment in women’s sports, driven by growing viewership and revenue.
