The 30th season of the WNBA tips off next Friday, May 8th and a record 216 games will be nationally televised. This increase in visibility isn’t just a win for the league or its fans. It is a win for women as a whole.
This is the first season under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Existing partnerships continue with Disney, Amazon Prime Video, CBS/Paramount+, and Scripps. New partners include partnerships like NBCUniversal and USA Sports and certain games will continue to stream on NBAtv and WNBA League Pass.
Increasing visibility of women’s sports has an impact across many different realms. In an article by Jessie Sebor, it states, “when girls don’t see role models or clear pathways forward, participation begins to fade.” This increased visibility will show them that path. Seeing women lead and compete at these levels gives them a clear picture of what they are capable of. Importantly, these role models come from a variety of backgrounds, including women of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals from different cultures; showing girls that leadership and achievement in sports are possible for everyone. Even if their dream isn’t to be a professional athlete, seeing a female coach or a female general manager can have an impact greater than many may realize.
Apart from providing great role models, this visibility is also important for societal change and creating a community as a whole. Women’s sports are known to support diversity, inclusion, and fight for social justice far more often than a majority of men’s sports typically do. Increased visibility creates an atmosphere where respect and acceptance are the norm. Which then leads to also creating a strong community.
A sense of community is a huge pillar that is missing for many Americans. According to an article by Stanford, an alarming number of adults feel disconnected. It states, “those who are at greatest risk include those with lower incomes or education levels, who are unmarried, who are part of racial or ethnic minority groups, and who identify as LGBTQ+.” The atmosphere created by women’s sports is special in a way that is accepting of all of these groups. It provides the safe space needed to foster genuine community.
This increased visibility is providing the means necessary to inspire the next generation and give hope to the current generation. Women have been performing and competing at a high caliber for decades; it’s about time they get their flowers for it.
References:
M. Javad Ershad, MD. 2025. “Social Connection in America” Report Shows Grim Results. https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/social-connection-america-report/
Sebor, Jessie. Why the Explosion of Women’s Sports Really Matters. https://branwyn.com/blogs/in-the-wild/growth-of-womens-sports-and-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOorHNVOQQgAsJ0W7_0GOj669pwQEgg1MsZYntOWC0IA43LKNqqw1
Alexa Philippou. 2026. WNBA to Broadcast a Record 216 Games Nationally in 2026. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48562289/wnba-broadcast-record-216-games-nationally-2026