Only ten days into the WNBA season and I’ve already watched games on:
I’ll also be able to watch future games games on CBS and ESPN. Seven different networks already accounted for!
The WNBA’s quest to maximize fees received for broadcasting rights makes it a daily struggle/hassle to figure out where any particular game may be found. The follow-up question is whether I have the service: my cable carries ABC, Ion, NBC, and USA; my wife has an Amazon Prime account; VictoryPlus is free. I refuse to purchase Peacock and Paramount+ strictly for WNBA games, nor will I purchase WNBA League Pass
The W is by no means the only major sports to distribute rights across multiple networks and streaming services, but, unlike the NBA or NFL, they are still building their audience. While die-hard fans will likely make the effort and financial commitment, casual fans will not, leading to lower viewership than expected and ultimately resulting in future decrease in fees.
It’s ridiculous, it’s inane, and I see an approach that is going to backfire, potentially negatively impacting the league and finances even more than the signed CBA intended. IMO this is not going to end well.
