NBC ignites WNBA summer coverage with Sunday night primetime debut

The WNBA is set to return to broadcast network television in a prominent way as NBC prepares to launch its new “Sunday Night Basketball” initiative. The schedule begins on July 12, featuring a marquee matchup between the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever. The game marks the first time a WNBA regular-season contest will air in a Sunday primetime slot on an over-the-air broadcast network.

This coverage is part of a broader media rights agreement valued at $2.2 billion over 11 years, a deal secured in 2024. While NBC will air four Sunday games this summer, the remaining regular-season slate will shift to Mondays, available primarily on Peacock and NBCSN. Looking ahead, the network’s commitment deepens in 2026 with a schedule of 22 games.

The broadcast production aims to mirror the aesthetic of NBA telecasts. NBC Sports producers plan to utilize familiar musical elements, including an intro by Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz and a remixed version of John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock.” The commentary team will feature Zora Stephenson on play-by-play and Sarah Kustok as analyst, with courtside reporting by Ashley ShahAhmadi. Studio coverage will be led by host Maria Taylor, alongside Hall of Famers Cheryl Miller and Sue Bird reporting from the venue rather than the network’s Connecticut studios.

NBC will also carry the postseason, broadcasting the semifinals and the WNBA Finals. Specific Finals games will be split between NBC, Peacock, and USA Network, giving the league significant visibility across the Comcast Corporation portfolio. As of the latest market session, Comcast is trading at $23.57.

What to watch

• Ratings Data: Viewership numbers for the July 12 Aces-Fever game will provide an early benchmark for the new Sunday night slot.
• Streaming Metrics: Engagement levels on Peacock for the Monday games will be a key indicator of digital consumption habits for the league.
• 2026 Schedule Rollout: Further details regarding the expansion to 22 games in the 2026 season.

Source: original release