The WNBA has signed a six-year extension with ESPN, separate from the network’s NBA deal. Under the new deal, the WNBA will reportedly get $12 million annually through the 2022 season, according to Sports Business Daily. The network is planning to unveil a “3 to See” campaign this season to highlight incoming rookies Elena Delle Donne (Delaware), Skylar Diggins (Notre Dame) and Brittney Griner (Baylor).
The W also released a new logo that reflects the ”the diversity and athleticism of today’s WNBA,” according to WNBA President Laurel Richie. Check that out, along with the WNBA’s official announcement below:
“The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and ESPN have extended their partnership for another six years, paving the way for WNBA games to be televised on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 through 2022. The announcement was made today by John Skipper, President of ESPN, Inc. and Co-Chairman of the Disney Media Networks, and Laurel J. Richie, WNBA President. The new agreement, which extends the WNBA’s television relationship with ESPN to 26 years, coincides with the first-ever primetime telecast of the WNBA Draft presented by State Farm on Monday, April 15 at 8 p.m. ET. Up to 30 live games will be televised on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 each season, including exclusive telecasts of the WNBA Finals presented by Boost Mobile.
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“Along with the extended ESPN agreement, the WNBA is also introducing a new brand identity. The refreshed identity reflects how far the level of play has come in 16 years as stronger, more agile players have made the game more competitive. The cornerstone of the new WNBA visual identity is a more modern “Logowoman” — the player silhouette within the logo — that better embodies the athleticism and diversity of today’s WNBA players while leveraging the distinctive orange-and-oatmeal color scheme of the league’s iconic game ball. Debuting on Monday, April 1 in support of the upcoming 2013 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm, the new identity will be seen across all WNBA assets, including team uniforms, broadcast, digital, signage and print materials. WNBA teams will adapt the new WNBA logo to their colors to communicate their affiliation with the league.”
