The WNBA’s first live sports game on Disney+ is set to stream at 7:30 p.m. ET against the Connecticut Sun, followed by the Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces matchup. This marks a new era for Disney’s streaming unit, which has previously featured animated simulcasts of sporting events using cartoon characters instead of real athletes.
Disney is approaching profitability in its streaming unit and has been focusing on sports streaming to boost viewership. ESPN is set to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming product in fall 2025, allowing consumers to subscribe without cable. Additionally, a sports streaming service in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox Corp. is expected to launch this fall as well.
Negotiations are ongoing for exclusive TV rights for NBA games between Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery, with the WNBA’s current media rights deal expiring in 2025 and expectations for the value to double upon renegotiation. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert anticipates significant growth for the league as it continues to attract younger audiences and families through its streaming deals.
Patrick Rishe, director of the Sports Business Program at Washington University’s Olin Business School, sees the WNBA debut on Disney+ as a potential watershed moment for the league. He believes streaming on Disney+ is crucial to reaching the league’s key demographic of families and younger audiences, drawing parallels between rookie Caitlin Clark in the WNBA and Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer, highlighting the importance of streaming deals in sports today.
The NBA’s media rights deal expires in 2025 with expectations for value to double upon renegotiation with Disney and Warner Bros Discovery
