WNBL Secures Two-Year Broadcast Partnership

The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) has confirmed a two-year broadcast partnership that will deliver the most extensive coverage in its 45-year history.

Comprehensive Access Across Platforms

From the 2025–26 season, all 92 regular-season games and the Finals Series will be available across multiple platforms. Fans will have free live access via Nine’s 9Now, with select marquee games airing on 9Go! alongside the NRL and English Premier League.

ESPN and ESPN2 will show more than 80 games, with every match streamed on ESPN via Disney+. All fixtures will also be accessible through the WNBL’s relaunched website and app, broadening access for both new and existing fans.

Additional coverage will continue on Kayo, Foxtel, and Fetch in Australia, and Sky in New Zealand.

Driving Accessibility and Growth

The league views this as a breakthrough moment for audience development.

“The momentum and hunger for basketball is undeniable, with one in five girls now playing the game in Australia,” said WNBL CEO Jennie Sager.

“Our new broadcast deals respond directly to that momentum. More games are now accessible, giving young athletes a clear pathway to the professional level and showcasing the incredible talent we have in this country.”

The deal comes at a critical time in Australia’s crowded summer sports market, where visibility and discoverability are crucial to competing with cricket and tennis.

Integration into Major Sports Programming

Nine’s Managing Director of Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing, said the WNBL would gain from being integrated into the network’s wider sports portfolio.

Disney and ESPN executives added that the agreement reinforces ESPN’s status as Australia’s “home of basketball,” alongside its coverage of the NBA and US college competitions.

Consistent scheduling, including prime-time Tuesday night slots on ESPN, will be a feature of the new arrangement. This aims to build habitual viewing patterns, a challenge that has historically limited the growth of women’s leagues globally.

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