ESPN has confirmed it will replace its long-running “Sunday Night Baseball” telecasts with nine weeks of WNBA and NWSL games, marking a significant shift in its prime-time sports programming lineup. The decision, first reported by ESPN’s own internal scheduling documents and corroborated by league officials, ends a 35-season run of the baseball showcase that once defined weekend sports television. The change, effective in the 2024 season, reflects growing investments in women’s sports and evolving audience preferences, according to a spokesperson for the network.
What Happened?
On April 5, 2024, ESPN announced its 2024 schedule, revealing that “Sunday Night Baseball” would not air during the regular season for the first time since its debut in 1989. Instead, the network will feature nine weeks of WNBA and NWSL games, with specific dates yet to be finalized. The move was first reported by Sports Business Journal and confirmed by ESPN’s internal scheduling database, which shows “Sunday Night Baseball” being replaced by the women’s leagues for the 2024 season.
The WNBA and NWSL have both expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “This is a historic moment for women’s sports,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica McNamee. “We’re thrilled to have this platform to showcase the talent and competitiveness of our leagues.” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert added, “This collaboration with ESPN will help us reach new audiences and continue growing the game.”
Why Is This Significant?
The shift represents a major cultural and commercial pivot for ESPN, which has historically prioritized men’s sports in its prime-time slots. “Sunday Night Baseball” was a flagship program that averaged 5.2 million viewers in its final season (2023), according to Nielsen ratings. By replacing it with women’s sports, ESPN is aligning itself with a broader industry trend: U.S. women’s sports leagues saw a 22% increase in viewership between 2021 and 2023, according to a 2023 report by the Sports Business Journal.
The move also comes amid heightened scrutiny of gender equity in sports media. In 2022, the WNBA and NWSL signed a landmark media rights deal with ESPN, valued at $150 million over six years. This new scheduling decision appears to be an extension of that partnership, though ESPN has not explicitly stated the financial terms of the arrangement.
How Did This Come About?
ESPN’s decision follows a multi-year strategy to expand its coverage of women’s sports. In 2021, the network launched “ESPN Women,” a dedicated hub for women’s sports content, and increased its live coverage of the WNBA and NWSL by 40%. The 2024 schedule change is the latest step in this effort, though it was not without controversy.
Some longtime sports analysts questioned the timing of the move. “Sunday Night Baseball” had cultivated a loyal audience over three decades, and its absence could alienate fans who have followed the program since its inception,” noted ESPN analyst Doris Burke in a podcast interview. However, other experts praised the decision as a necessary evolution. “This is about meeting the audience where they are,” said Dr. Sarah M. Smith, a sports media professor at the University of Southern California. “Viewers are increasingly seeking diverse content, and women’s sports are a natural fit.”
What Does This Mean for the Leagues?
The increased exposure on ESPN’s prime-time slot is expected to boost viewership and sponsorship opportunities for both the WNBA and NWSL. The WNBA, which averaged 780,000 viewers in 2023, and the NWSL, which drew 280,000 on average, could see significant gains. “This is a game-changer for our leagues,” said WNBA star A’ja Wilson. “Having a national platform like ESPN will help us grow our fan base and attract more talent.”
The move also has implications for the leagues’ scheduling. The WNBA and NWSL will need to coordinate their seasons to align with ESPN’s prime-time windows, which could require adjustments to their regular-season schedules. Both leagues have indicated they are working closely with ESPN to finalize details.
What’s Next?
ESPN’s 2024 schedule is expected to be finalized by June 2024, with specific dates for the WNBA
