Cheryl Reeve and Napheesa Collier criticized Cathy Engelbert for a lack of accountability and also raised questions about the league’s operations. Many-sided with the Lynx duo, as they made many valid points and provided some examples in their speeches. The top executive was under pressure after the fans’ backlash.
However, the 60-year-old executive finally had some good news, as the WNBA signed with another broadcast partner after inking an 11-year media rights deal with Versant. The USA Network will air regular-season games and select playoff games from the 2026 season.
The WNBA Signs New Broadcast Deal For 11 Years
WNBA expansion is attracting new fans and increasing the number of games in the league. The 2025 season was already crowded with many broadcasters, who even missed out on a few games. Understanding the need, the league now added a new broadcast partner to its list – Versant.
Matt Hong, Versant’s president of sports, spoke about the deal and said, “We’re incredibly proud to expand our multi-year partnership with the WNBA. USA Network will be a destination for WNBA viewers all season long, as we showcase the star power across the league in our marquee Wednesday night doubleheaders and build toward the intensity of the WNBA Playoffs and WNBA Finals.”
The league’s popularity level reached its peak with the WNBA breaking its attendance record in the 2025 season and also setting new highs for viewership.
HUGE media news for the WNBA!
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 30, 2025
The league and USA’s parent company, Versant, announced the parameters of their partnership on Tuesday in the form of an 11-year broadcasting rights deal that will tip off next season, writes @GeoffJMags.
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It will be interesting to see how the league utilizes the new deals to improve the league and bring stability to its current volatile conditions. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, though, is happy with the new partnership.
Cathy Engelbert Reacts To New WNBA Broadcast Deal
The League Commissioner is under immense pressure right now with the fans and a few league personnel demanding her resignation. Many believe that the 2025 season will be her final year in the league, but the WNBA has dismissed the idea and shown faith in the 60-year-old executive.
Reacting to the recent media deal, Engelbert said, “Partnering with Versant and USA Network marks another significant milestone for the WNBA’s continued growth. As demand for women’s basketball continues to rise, partnerships like this expand the visibility and accessibility of our game. By establishing a weekly primetime destination for fans, this agreement will showcase the excitement of the WNBA to more households than ever before and further elevate the incredible athletes in this league.”
While the CBA discussions are still ongoing, the league could utilize new funds to address some of the financially related player demands.