The 2009 WNBA season will feature a significantly decreased number of nationally televised games.
Only thirteen WNBA games will air on ESPN and ABC during the 2009 season, the first of a new eight-year television agreement. The 13 games is down from 22 last year, and marks the fewest number of national television appearances ever for the WNBA.
After airing eight WNBA games last season, ABC is currently set to air only one game in 2009, an Opening Day matchup between the Shock and Sparks — the teams who famously brawled during a game last season. ABC is also likely to air the yet-to-be-announced WNBA All Star Game. Meanwhile, ESPN2 will air 12 “WNBA Tuesday” telecasts, down from 14 last year.
The 2009 WNBA season is set to begin on June 6, the WNBA’s latest start to a season since 1999. The later start equals a later-than-usual finish, as the regular season will wrap-up on September 13.
