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ION's Exciting Plans for the 2025 WNBA Season

Scripps Sports has officially announced its broadcast plans for the 2025 WNBA season, which will showcase more games than ever before, emphasizing the commitment to women’s sports. The State Farm® WNBA Friday Night Spotlight will kick off on May 16 and promises to deliver an unprecedented 50 regular-season games on television.

This move marks a significant step in enhancing the visibility of women's sports, as ION aims to establish itself as a leader in WNBA coverage. As one of the most-watched networks, reachable through pay TV, connected TV, and free ad-supported streaming platforms, ION is set to make these games accessible to more than 128 million households across the nation.

Brian Lawlor, President of Scripps Sports, expressed pride in being a key player in the promotion of women's sports. He highlighted the excitement surrounding the WNBA, fueled by new franchises and ongoing rivalries, noting that fans are eager to witness the dynamism that the league brings this season.

What to Expect This Season

This year, the WNBA on ION will offer a variety of engaging pre-game and halftime shows. Announcing a dedicated WNBA on ION Studio Show, the network will provide extensive coverage, including:
1. 30-Minute Pre-Game Shows: Featuring player interviews and highlights from previous games.
2. Halftime Insights: In-depth analysis during halftime that keeps fans informed.
3. In-Between Games Coverage: Wrap-up and preview shows to engage viewers even when the games are on pause.

The studio team will be anchored by the award-winning journalist Larry Smith, along with analysts Autumn Johnson and Meghan McKeown, ensuring high-quality commentary throughout the season.

The Opening Matchup

The season opening on May 16 is particularly exciting as it includes a doubleheader showcasing two monumental games:

• - The Dallas Wings will feature Paige Bueckers, the first pick of the 2025 draft, facing off against the Minnesota Lynx.
• - The eagerly anticipated debut of the WNBA’s newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, as they take on the Los Angeles Sparks.

Highlight Matches to Look Out For

This season promises thrilling matchups, including:

• - A competitive face-off on May 30 where A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces will host Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks, marking Plum's return to Vegas since her trade.
• - On June 27, fans will witness Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever facing off against Paige Bueckers from the Dallas Wings, featuring the most recent number one draft picks.
• - Further adding to the excitement, August 15 will feature a historic game where the Atlanta Dream, led by Brittney Griner, competes against the Seattle Storm in Vancouver—the first regular season game played outside the U.S.
• - Another highly anticipated match occurs on September 5, as Angel Reese's Chicago Sky collides with Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever, providing fans with a showcase of elite talent.

Growth from Last Season

Building upon the resounding success of the previous season, where the average viewership of the State Farm® WNBA Friday Night Spotlight surged by 133% compared to 2023, Scripps Sports aims to continue its momentum, attracting over 23 million unique viewers last year.

With the exciting enhancements made for the 2025 season, fans will have even more reasons to tune in. For detailed information regarding game schedules and broadcast channels, visit their website at ION WNBA and stay updated via social media on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

As the spotlight on women's sports brightens, the collaboration between ION and the WNBA heralds a new era for league visibility and fan engagement.