Scripps Sports has revealed that its production “WNBA Friday Night Spotlight on ION” has pushed this season’s Women’s National Basketball Association audience up by 24%.
Current numbers stand at 39 million unique viewers, which is a significant increase from the previous 31.5 million, data analyst firm Nielsen has confirmed.
The news is a result of WNBA’s first completed year of a multi-year partnership with The E.W. Scripps Company, which includes regular season double-headers being televised weekly in primetime on Fridays on ION – a national entertainment broadcast network.
Adam Symson, President and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company, commented: “The WNBA and Scripps Sports partnership has proven in its first year that ION is a powerful television platform that significantly increases the audience reach of the league.
“We’re looking ahead to next season to bring the athleticism and drama of the WNBA to even more fans, supported by the sponsors and advertisers that want to reach them.”
Some of the other highlights from the Scripps/WNBA season one partnership include a wide-scale promotional campaign across 41 US local markets, as well as growing WNBA’s female viewership from 14.3 million to 18.5 million – a 29% increase.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert added: “When we partnered with Scripps Sports for the 2023 season, we were hoping their reach would drive WNBA viewership to higher heights, and Scripps overwhelmingly delivered.
“New fans found us. Faithful fans embraced the appointment viewing. This success is only going to grow in the future.”
