Interest Surges For Women's Sports Media Rights

Media organizations are increasingly investing in covering women’s sports, recognizing the importance of amplifying athletes’ stories and experiences. Here are some key points:

Growing Attention: Women’s sports are no longer just a passing trend. Reporters are now actively using their platforms to elevate these stories and connect with audiences. For instance, the NCAA women’s basketball final recently garnered more views than the men’s championship game, signaling a shift in viewership.

Representation Matters: Having diverse representation in media coverage is crucial. Vinciane Ngomsi, a reporter and digital creator, emphasizes that seeing African representation can broaden interest and excitement around women’s sports.

Balancing Critique and Praise: Analyst Aaron West notes that strides have been made in covering women’s sports. Reporters now have the space to discuss tactical aspects, critique the game, and share holistic stories, similar to men’s coverage.

Investment in Rights Deals: Networks are recognizing the value of women’s sports. Soccer and basketball, in particular, are becoming sought-after rights packages. ESPN, for example, pays the NCAA for women’s basketball rights, alongside other sports championships.

Axios reports attention to women's sports reached new heights last month, when — for the first time in NCAA history‚ the women's basketball final garnered more views than the men's championship game, That milestone comes on the heels of a slew of historic new rights agreements between women's leagues and networks.

The NWSL inked its landmark four-year $240 million TV rights deal with ESPN, CBS Sports, Amazon Prime Video and Scripps Sports last year. ESPN's new NCAA TV deal valued the women's college basketball tournament at $65 million a year, tripling the annual value from its last deal.