WNBA Tip-Off 2025: Scripps Sports’ ‘Friday Night Spotlight’ Features More Games, Dedicated Studio Show on ION

The excitement for women’s professional sports continues to grow, especially with the tip-off of the 2025 WNBA season. Scripps Sports has significantly ramped up its preparations, introducing an array of new features that enhance the overall viewing experience. The State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight, debuting on ION, showcases a dedicated commitment to women’s sports, evidenced by a remarkable 133% boost in viewership during its previous season.

Growing Popularity and Viewership

Since its launch just over two years ago, Scripps Sports has placed the WNBA at the center of its programming strategy. The Friday Night Spotlight first aired on ION in 2023, and the results have surpassed expectations, drawing over 23 million unique viewers last season alone. This year’s coverage promises to be even more robust.

Expansion of Broadcasts

ION will broadcast 50 regular-season games this year, an increase from last year’s 43, as part of the Friday Night Spotlight series.
Rush Media, in partnership with the Scripps Sports team, produces all of ION’s WNBA broadcasts.
Weekly pre-production meetings focus on providing all-access coverage during games to engage fans further.

“We’ve had great success having a courtside correspondent to bring fans closer to the action,” said Quinn S. Pacini, VP of Operations at Scripps Sports. The focus remains on creating engaging content that fosters a deeper connection with viewers.

Innovative Studio Shows

Another significant development is the introduction of the WNBA on ION studio show, which is poised to become the first dedicated weekly game broadcast studio show focused solely on the WNBA, boosted by new production facilities in Atlanta. This season, the studio show aims to enhance the viewing experience with:

30-minute pre-game shows that include player interviews and game highlights.
Halftime shows that provide critical game insights from the studio.
Feature stories each week designed to engage audiences further.

“Our weekly features have been well-received by the league and the players,” noted Pacini, emphasizing the show’s credibility and the improved access gained via their efforts.

Upcoming Games and Matchups

The regular season kicks off with exciting matchups. Notably, the first game features Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings against the Las Vegas Aces at the University of Notre Dame, along with a game that highlights the league’s newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries against the Los Angeles Sparks.

This season also marks the first-ever nationally televised preseason contests, illustrating the dramatic strides Scripps Sports and ION have made in promoting and expanding the WNBA’s reach.

A Commitment to Excellence

The dedication shown by Scripps Sports is evident not just in their numbers but in their processes. With the continued return of the production team, both in front of the camera and behind it, there’s a clear sense of unity and teamwork driving the product forward. “We are maximizing our efforts to create the most compelling and entertaining show possible,” Pacini asserts.

As the 2025 season unfolds, fans can expect an exhilarating combination of high-quality game broadcasts and rich, in-depth studio programming that truly celebrates women’s sports.

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WNBA, ION, Scripps Sports, women’s sports, live broadcasts, sports programming, State Farm, Paige Bueckers, basketball, sports engagement