In a landmark programming shift, ESPN has announced the launch of “Women’s Sports Sundays,” a new primetime franchise debuting in the summer of 2026. The series will place women’s professional sports at the heart of the Sunday night sports calendar, traditionally one of the most coveted windows in American television.
The End of an Era: Replacing Sunday Night Baseball
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this announcement is the departure of “Sunday Night Baseball,” a staple of ESPN’s summer programming for over 35 years.
- The Shift: After ESPN and MLB mutually opted out of the final years of their broadcast partnership, the network is pivoting to capitalize on the explosive growth of women’s sports.
- The New Home for MLB: While ESPN will still air 30 weeknight MLB games, the iconic Sunday night window will move to NBC/Peacock in 2026.
Format and Schedule Details
“Women’s Sports Sundays” is designed to be a “destination” for fans, creating a consistent viewing habit during the summer months.
- Timeline: The franchise will run for nine consecutive weeks during the summer months (typically June through August).
- The Lineup: The schedule features 12 primetime games, anchored by marquee matchups from the WNBA and the NWSL (presented by Ally).
- Cross-Platform Support: The live games will be supported by ESPN’s full ecosystem, including specialized studio shows like Vibe Check (exclusive to Disney+), digital coverage, and deep-dive storytelling.
Why This Matters: A “Flag in the Ground”
Rosalyn Durant, ESPN’s Executive Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions, emphasized that this is a long-term strategic commitment, not a trial:
“Women’s Sports Sundays isn’t an experiment. It is a flag in the ground and a continuing commitment. This is about giving athletes and leagues the stage they deserve.”
Key Economic Drivers:
- Audience Surge: In 2025, the WNBA averaged 1.3 million viewers on ESPN, proving that women’s sports can replicate or even exceed the ratings previously held by Sunday night baseball.
- Global Leader: ESPN currently broadcasts over 30,000 hours of live women’s sports annually, including the WNBA, NWSL, NCAA championships, and Grand Slam tennis.