WNBA’S ENTIRE PRESEASON TO BE BROADCAST/STREAMED FIR FIRST TIME IN LEAGUE HISTORY

April 30, 2025 — A New Era of Visibility for Women’s Basketball Begins

 

In a groundbreaking move that underscores the WNBA’s continued rise in popularity and influence, the league announced that every single preseason game in 2025 will be broadcast or streamed live—a first in the 28-year history of the league. This major step toward increased accessibility and exposure marks a new chapter for the WNBA and its fans, sending a powerful message about the growing demand for women’s sports coverage and the league’s commitment to reaching wider audiences.

 

The WNBA’s 2025 preseason will begin on Friday, May 3, and will feature a total of 18 games, culminating on May 11. For the first time ever, fans will be able to watch every matchup live, either on WNBA League Pass, team-specific platforms, or national and regional broadcast partners. The league confirmed that a mix of streaming options and television broadcasts will ensure coverage of all games—significantly expanding the reach of preseason content that has often gone largely unseen in the past.

 

Making History — A Leap Toward Equality

 

Traditionally, WNBA preseason games have been sparsely televised, with only a select few made available via online streams or team-hosted broadcasts. That limited exposure has historically left fans relying on box scores, social media updates, and scattered highlight reels. But the 2025 season is different.

 

“This is a milestone moment,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a statement. “For the first time, every preseason game will be available to fans. This decision reflects the exponential growth we’ve seen in viewership, fandom, and media coverage. It’s about access, and it’s about delivering on what our fans have asked for.”

 

Engelbert, who has spearheaded numerous league advancements since taking over in 2019, noted that the decision aligns with the WNBA’s broader media strategy and commitment to digital growth. “We know there’s a massive appetite for women’s basketball content, and we’re going to meet that demand,” she added.

 

The Visibility Revolution

 

The WNBA’s visibility has skyrocketed in recent years thanks to star power, social media engagement, collegiate crossover appeal, and strategic partnerships with media platforms. The arrival of highly touted draft prospects—such as Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso—has drawn millions of new eyes to the league, and preseason access allows fans to get an early glimpse of these rookies in action.

 

Preseason games are crucial for teams finalizing rosters, testing new lineups, and integrating new players. Now, fans can follow that journey from day one, watching their favorite teams develop chemistry and emerging stars take their first professional steps.

 

“This is a huge win for fans and for the players,” said ESPN analyst and former WNBA All-Star Rebecca Lobo. “Preseason games aren’t just about warm-ups—they’re where rookies prove themselves, veterans show leadership, and coaches experiment. And now fans get to witness all of that unfold.”

 

Streaming Everywhere — How to Watch

 

The WNBA has confirmed that WNBA League Pass will carry the majority of games, with team-specific broadcasts supplementing local coverage. Additionally, several games will be carried by ESPN+, Bally Sports, YES Network, and other regional outlets.

 

Notably, select matchups involving marquee teams such as the Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, and New York Liberty—which feature high-profile stars and new faces—will receive elevated coverage, including full broadcast production and studio analysis.

 

Each team has also committed to offering direct access through its digital platforms, with some franchises streaming games via their official websites, YouTube channels, or mobile apps. This multi-platform strategy ensures no fan is left behind, regardless of where or how they prefer to watch.

 

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

 

The news has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans and advocates for women’s sports. Hashtags like #WNBAOnEveryScreen and #PreseasonAccess began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the announcement.

 

“This is how you build momentum,” said sportswriter and women’s basketball advocate LaChina Robinson. “If you want people to care about your product, you have to give them access to it. That’s exactly what the WNBA is doing.”

 

Fans echoed that sentiment, many pointing out the stark contrast with years past, when preseason games were virtually inaccessible.

 

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” said longtime Phoenix Mercury fan Janessa White. “It used to feel like the season didn’t really start until Opening Day. Now, we get to watch our team from the beginning. It’s amazing.”

 

Business Implications and the Road Ahead

 

The move also has significant business implications, potentially attracting new sponsorships, advertising revenue, and audience metrics that can inform future media rights deals. With the current WNBA media contract with ESPN set to expire in 2025, the timing of this expanded visibility is crucial.

 

“More eyeballs means more leverage,” said sports economist Dr. Nicole McCormick. “The WNBA is in a prime position to renegotiate or expand its media footprint, and preseason broadcasting adds a valuable piece to that puzzle.”

 

Already, there are rumors that multiple tech and streaming giants—like Amazon, Apple, and YouTube—are eyeing future partnerships with the league. The success of preseason streaming may well become a litmus test for those negotiations.

 

Building on Momentum

 

This preseason broadcast expansion builds on several initiatives that have elevated the WNBA’s profile in recent years, including the introduction of the Commissioner’s Cup, expansion of WNBA merchandise partnerships, and the anticipated addition of new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries in 2026.

 

With every preseason game now televised or streamed, fans have a front-row seat to a league that is quickly becoming one of the most compelling stories in modern sports.

 

As the WNBA enters a new season—one defined by rising stars, passionate fan bases, and unprecedented access—the message is clear: women’s basketball is not just growing; it’s thriving. And now, everyone can watch it happen.