The recently signed deal between the NBA and major networks Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon marks a significant milestone for the WNBA. The deal is valued at $77 billion over 11years; out of this deal, $2.2 billion, approximately $200 million per year, is allocated to the WNBA. With the league adding two expansion franchises in SanFrancisco/Bay Area and Toronto, as well as the regular-season schedule increasing from 40 to 44 games, this growth signifies a surge in content available to broadcast partners eager to capitalize on the WNBA’s rising popularity, and an expansion of viewership for new and existing fans.

For the league specifically, this investment presents a unique opportunity to continue growing and to support its players. WNBA players have voiced increased salaries, benefits, and potentially pensions as pressing issues, recognizing the deal asa chance to encourage athlete retention and longevity within the league. Others in the organization see new partnerships, brand sponsorships, among other opportunities, emerging from these arrangements and from the league’s increased exposure. In the WNBA press release, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says the “...agreements allow the league to continue to build a long-term and sustainable growth model for the future of women’s basketball and sports which will benefitWNBA players, teams and fans.” This deal is coming during a remarkable time period for the WNBA, which is seeing its highest attendance, viewership, merchandise sales, social media engagement, League Pass subscriptions and app downloads; it exemplifies the rocketing interest in not only this league, but in women’s sports in general.

At CrowdPlay, we are thrilled to be partners with the NY Liberty, one of the esteemed teams in the WNBA. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering deeper connections between fans and their favorite teams. The ongoing growth and expansion of the WNBA present exciting opportunities for us to enhance fan engagement and loyalty. As the league flourishes, we are proud to contribute to its success by bringing fans closer to the action and creating more meaningful interactions through our innovative loyalty platforms. 

CrowdPlay specializes in developing, operating, and managing customized 365-day loyalty platforms for sports. Our Managed Service Model ensures that we are not just vendors but partners in every sense, fully operating the platform and seamlessly integrating with teams. This approach redefines the process of launching a loyalty platform in sports, ensuring comprehensive and effective management throughout. By implementing the most extensive loyalty programs, we unlock the full value of fans, creating unforgettable experiences and driving sustained engagement.

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