The WNBA: "Winning Earned"

In years past, women's professional sports has long been neglected to receiving equal media coverage within "Male Dominated Sports". This past fact has come full circle with the recent new deal within women's professional sports. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has recently resigned a media deal contract with ESPN network. This is without a doubt a huge signing for the league. Since the leagues existence in 1997, the WNBA has not only survived but, surpassed the expectations of outside critics who felt the league would not survive in a “Male Dominated” sport.

Athletes that have paved the way for such an accomplishment such as: Rebecca Lobo, Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie to name a few, are all responsible for the leagues success today. With new talent entering the WNBA such as, Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins and Elena Donne, the future of the WNBA is brighter than ever. According to an article by Terry Lefton and John Ourand of Sportsbusiness Journal, the new deal is extended for six years at twelve million dollars per year. An asset value of one million dollars granted to each team within the league.

Other incentives and changes were applied in accord with the new deal acquired. According to League President Laurel Richie, the deal with ESPN showed the importance of how far women sports has come and ESPN’s dedication to keeping women sports within relevance. With Thirty games being showcased on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, the league will be placed center stage. With a new trendy logo of a “Layup” being performed as the leagues symbol, the WNBA is clearly here to stay.