WNBA Returns To NBC Sports For First Time Since 2002 With Star-Studded Broadcast Team

The WNBA CBA deal made every aspect of the league look bigger as the league reached new highs in expenditures. While there will be nearly a billion-dollar expenditure for the ‘W’, the league media rights deal explodes to $3.1 billion in a massive 11-year agreement. Part of this agreement was the NBC network, which was part of the league broadcast nearly two decades ago.

With the growth in popularity of the league, every national network now wants to be part of its global appeal, and so far, there are seven major national partners/platforms showing over 200+ games. NBC will make its debut with the upcoming Aces game.

NBC To Broadcast WNBA Games After Two Decades

The WNBA is returning to NBC Sports for the first time since 2002, marking a 24-year absence with a new 11-year media rights deal starting with the 2026 season.

The coverage kicks off on May 17, featuring a star-studded broadcast team and a schedule of 22+ regular-season games, along with playoff and Finals coverage on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.

The WNBA returns to NBC Sports this week for the first time since 2002, debuting Sunday with an Aces-Dream/Fever-Storm doubleheader 🏀

NBC Sports also added Sue Bird, Cheryl Miller and Maria Taylor to its coverage lineup.

MORE: https://t.co/hd57hRS8SF pic.twitter.com/xFWhnR9iBJ

— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) May 14, 2026

It’s interesting to note that Caitlin Clark made her debut on the NBC network, providing analysis for the New York Knicks in two regular-season games, and will now be on the other side of the box.

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One aspect the NBC placed importance on was its broadcasting team, which has extensive experience and includes award-winning individuals from the league.

NBC’s Top Draw Broadcast Team For WNBA 2026 Season

The broadcasting team features multiple top analysts and broadcasters for the 30th season of the league. n, led by play-by-play voices Noah Eagle, Michael Grady, and Zora Stephenson. Eagle, known as a lead announcer for NBC’s Big Ten Football and NBA coverage, brings elite versatility and previously called men’s and women’s Olympic basketball in 2024.

Grady, a prominent voice for NBA and WNBA games, contributes immense league knowledge, while Stephenson, a seasoned reporter who worked the 2021 NBA Finals for a local broadcast, steps up as a primary announcer. The stellar “WNBA Showtime” studio team features lead host Maria Taylor, alongside Hall of Fame analysts Sue Bird—a four-time WNBA champion and 13-time All-Star with unparalleled playing expertise—and legendary Cheryl Miller.

*REMINDER* Sue Bird, Cheryl Miller, Zora Stephenson, and producer Betsy Riley to host media conference call ahead of @WNBA's return to NBC and debut on @peacock TODAY at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT

More: https://t.co/o1lDQab9J7

— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) May 14, 2026

Game analysis will have WNBA expert LaChina Robinson and former NBA/WNBA analyst Sarah Kustok. Ashley ShahAhmadi, Jordan Cornette, and Caroline Pineda will look into the sideline reporting.