ION Becomes Exclusive Television Home for Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off College Basketball Tournament

ION's Exclusive Deal for Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off

The excitement of women's college basketball is set to reach new heights as ION emerges as the exclusive television partner for the Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off. This new multiyear agreement with Scripps Sports marks a significant milestone in promoting collegiate women's sports.

A Spotlight on Women's Sports

The Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off, initiated in 2022, quickly gained prominence as a top-tier early season tournament, prominently featuring powerhouse teams such as South Carolina, Tennessee, and Maryland. This event not only showcases remarkable athletic talent but also reflects the growing appreciation for women's sports nationwide.

Starting this Thanksgiving weekend, November 28-29, the tournament will take place at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, situated within Florida SouthWestern State College's campus in Fort Myers. ION is set to broadcast every thrilling matchup live, ensuring fans can engage with the tournament through various platforms including cable and streaming services.

This partnership signifies Scripps Sports' first national rights agreement specific to women's college basketball. It expands their impressive portfolio which already includes partnerships with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports, shared enthusiastic comments on the timing of this new relationship, noting the increasing audience interest and advertiser participation in women's sports.

Elevating Coverage with Commitment

Mark Starsiak, Senior Vice President of Intersport, echoed the sentiment acknowledging that this collaboration is poised to enhance the Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off into a premier destination for college basketball fans. As women's sports are drawing in more viewers, this agreement is a testament to their rising significance.

ION's commitment to women's sports has been evident in recent years, demonstrated by impressive viewership numbers for their WNBA broadcasts, which attracted over 23.3 million unique viewers last season. While the inaugural season of NWSL on ION garnered around 20.5 million viewers, including a remarkable 13.5 million unique to the platform itself. These statistics highlight ION's potential as a home for women's sports events.

What to Expect

Details regarding participating teams, match schedules, and talent announcements for ION's coverage of the Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off will be revealed shortly leading up to the tournament. Fans eager for more information can check updates at womensfortmyerstipoff.com.

The Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off is more than just a basketball tournament; it symbolizes the ever-evolving landscape of women's sports. With increasing televised coverage and sponsorship investments, the future looks bright for collegiate women’s basketball. Enthusiasts can expect a high-caliber competition as teams vie for supremacy in a festive Thanksgiving atmosphere.

Join the excitement this fall as ION makes its mark in sports broadcasting with the Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off, and witness firsthand the emerging stages of women's collegiate basketball reaching new audiences across America.

For ongoing updates about the tournament, fans and spectators are encouraged to follow the event's social media channels and websites. This is an opportunity to witness history in the making within women’s sports on a national platform.