Colorado Sports Fans Get Expanded Access to Pro Women's Basketball as ION TV Extends WNBA Coverage
Colorado basketball enthusiasts and sports families will continue to enjoy free access to professional women's basketball as the WNBA announces an extended partnership with ION Television, reaching over 128 million households across the nation, including the Denver metro and Pikes Peak regions.
The deal comes at a crucial time for Colorado sports fans, as viewership for WNBA Friday Night Spotlight games has seen a remarkable 133% increase in 2024. Local families can now watch professional women's basketball through various platforms, including over-the-air broadcasts, streaming services, and traditional cable providers, according to FCC public records.
Impact for Colorado Basketball Community
This extended partnership holds special significance for Colorado's growing basketball community, particularly as the sport gains momentum at all levels across the state. The accessibility of professional women's basketball through ION's free over-the-air broadcast service provides inspiration for young athletes in Colorado Springs, Denver, and mountain communities.
"The WNBA's partnership with Scripps has already delivered great results in expanding the league's reach and visibility," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "This new multi-year agreement reflects the growing excitement surrounding the league and the rising demand for WNBA games."
Unprecedented Growth and Access
Colorado viewers are part of an expanding national audience, with 23 million unique viewers tuning into ION's games and wrap shows in 2024. The network's commitment includes:
- Friday night doubleheaders featuring top WNBA talent
- First-ever dedicated weekly WNBA studio show
- Multi-platform access through streaming and traditional broadcast
- Coverage complementing existing ESPN and CBS Sports partnerships
The league's success extends beyond television, with attendance reaching its highest level in 22 years - welcoming over 2.3 million fans and marking a substantial 48% increase from 2023. This growth reflects the rising interest in women's professional sports among Colorado families and youth athletes.
For Colorado Springs and Denver area residents, this extended partnership ensures continued free access to professional women's basketball, supporting the state's strong tradition of sports excellence and inspiring the next generation of Colorado athletes.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
