WNBA Signs Eight-Year Broadcast Agreement With ESPN, ABC Networks
16/07/2007 |
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The Women's National Basketball Association signed an eight-year broadcast agreement with Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN and ABC networks.
The deal begins with the 2009 season and runs through 2016, the league said in a statement. Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.
The Associated Press said the WNBA will receive rights fees for the first time.
``We are very pleased with ESPN's long-term commitment to the WNBA as well as its commitment to women's sports,'' WNBA President Donna Orender said.
ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 will have exclusive telecasts of at least 18 regular-season games, mostly on Mondays, Tuesdays and weekend afternoons. The three networks also will air a minimum of 11 postseason games, including exclusive rights to the WNBA Finals. The season opener and WNBA All-Star game will be shown on ABC.
NBA TV, the National Basketball Association's 24-hour network, will televise 70 regular-season games and up to nine playoff contests. The deal also includes digital rights.
ESPN has aired WNBA games since the league's first season in 1997.
(Source: Bloomberg.com)
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