ESPN, Women’s National Football Conference Expand Rights Deal

June 1, 2026

ESPN and the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC) have expanded their partnership with a new two-year media rights agreement, doubling the duration from their previous one-year trial deal. This renewed contract ensures the women’s professional tackle football league will continue receiving national broadcast exposure on ESPN platforms through 2027.

The agreement marks a significant milestone for women’s football, with the WNFC’s IX Cup Championship game scheduled to air live on ESPN2 on June 21 at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas—home of the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN’s executive team will directly participate in developing innovative marketing and promotional strategies to boost the league’s visibility and reach wider audiences.

The WNFC, which competes across four divisions in 2026 (Atlantic, Central, Northern, and Southern), stands to benefit from ESPN’s extensive media assets, including its NFL network platforms. This timing is particularly advantageous given ESPN’s recent investment in the NFL. The league, which does not pay player salaries but offers $20,000 to the championship team, has secured backing from major sponsors including Adidas, Dove, and Riddell to support its growth in women’s professional sports. Variety