The WNBA and CBS Sports have reached a long-term media rights deal, with up to 20 regular-season games set to air annually on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+. This significant agreement marks the most WNBA games ever to be broadcast on CBS television, with 20 games scheduled for the 2026 season. The expanded partnership includes a revamped pregame, halftime, and postgame show featuring Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie, former WNBA All-Star Renee Montgomery, and CBS Sports reporter Jenny Dell.
The broadcast team for the WNBA on CBS will consist of Jordan Kent as play-by-play announcer, Isis "Ice" Young as analyst, and Tiffany Blackmon as sideline reporter. The "WNBA Tip Off Show" will be led by Leslie, Montgomery, and Dell, with expanded coverage to support 10 games, including six shows on CBS and Paramount+ and four digital-exclusive editions on CBS Sports HQ.
The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin on May 8, with a 44-game regular season running through September 24, followed by a late-season break for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. The playoffs will commence on September 27, with two new expansion franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, joining the league this year, bringing the total number of teams to 15.
The WNBA's growth and popularity continue to soar, and this new media rights deal with CBS Sports is a testament to the league's increasing cultural impact. With the addition of two new expansion franchises, the league is poised for even greater success, and fans can expect more exciting matchups and coverage in the years to come. The WNBA's commitment to showcasing its talented athletes and resonating with fans has never been stronger, and this partnership with CBS Sports will undoubtedly amplify the league's momentum.
