ESPN is doubling down on the women's game, with the network announcing on Thursday that it will replace Sunday Night Baseball with Women's Sports Sundays starting this summer.
Calling it "a bold commitment to incomparable competition, consistency and storytelling," the new show will spotlight 12 top NWSL and WNBA matchups over a nine-week span, as the broadcast giant invites "longtime fans and newcomers alike into a reimagined summer primetime tradition."
"Women's sports are experiencing continued momentum, and Women's Sports Sundays is ESPN's next step in meeting that demand," ESPN EVP of programming and acquisitions Rosalyn Durant said in the network's Thursday announcement. "This franchise is about more than showcasing games — it's about building a consistent, high-profile destination that reflects the passion, excellence, and cultural impact of women's sports today, while giving athletes and leagues the stage they deserve."
In addition to the live game coverage, Women's Sports Sundays will also include studio shows, digital storytelling, and social coverage.
Speaking to Variety, ESPN VP of women's sports programming Susie Piotrkowski is already eyeing an extension of the new show into other leagues, seasons, and tentpole events, with the broadcast behemoth also owning rights to other top women's sports entities like NCAA basketball and the recently expanded Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
ESPN will announce additional details surrounding Women's Sports Sundays, including specific games, broadcast talent, and the new program's kickoff schedule, at a later date.
