Zora Stephenson Emerges As Top Contender For NBC’s Lead WNBA Play-By-Play Role

The WNBA and WNBPA are working hard on finding common ground on the CBA deal and have already agreed on a 30-day extension. Interestingly, the WNBPA received support from NBPA over their demands.

Everyone outside the negotiations is expecting the 2026 season to start on time and is preparing themselves for the same. As per recent updates, NBC, the broadcaster for the 2026 WNBA finals, is shortlisting the play-by-play commentator with Zora Stephenson as its top candidate.

Zora Stephenson Leads Play-By-Play Role For WNBA Finals

The WNBA’s new broadcasting deal will come into effect from the 2026 season. The mega deal is worth 2.2 billion. While the league secured the massive deal, it is one of the reasons players are seeking a revenue share.

The broadcaster, NBC, has rights for the 2026 WNBA finals. As per reports from Front Office Sports, Zora Stephenson will take over the play-by-play role.

EXCLUSIVE: Zora Stephenson is the leading candidate to do play-by-play for the 2026 WNBA Finals on NBC, FOS has learned.

Stephenson is a sideline reporter for NBC’s Notre Dame football games and also reports courtside for NBA coverage.

Story by @sportsrapport ⬇️

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 7, 2025

She already worked as the broadcaster for the New York Liberty’s home game in 2021, which was a surreal feeling for her. “It’s the league that allowed me to fall in love with the game of basketball,” she told The Next as she covered her first WNBA game.

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Earlier in the NBA season, the former Elon women’s basketball team captain became the first woman to handle play-by-play responsibilities in the Bucks’ history. Currently, she is working with the NBC network as a sideline reporter for Notre Dame football games and also reports courtside for NBA coverage.

While the broadcasters are ready with their preparations, the league is also hoping for a mega response from the fans with the addition of the two new franchises.  

WNBA Awaiting Mega Season

The WNBA experienced a massive surge in its popularity and sales from the 2024 season. Based on its growth rate, many investors – including franchise owners, sponsors, and broadcasters showed interest in aligning with the league.

Considering recent developments, the women’s basketball league is poised for a mega success in the 2026 season, which could mark a turning point for the league’s future. But there is still one mega stumbling block to the start of the 2026 season.

As of the 2025 offseason, there is still a stalemate over the CBA discussions. Fans and players are frustrated over the league’s stand with players like Nneka Ogwumike already signing with a direct competitor – Project B.

Even though both parties agreed on an extension, it is important to note that WNBA players granted a 30-day CBA lifeline that comes with a 48-hour opt-out, which should trigger the process.