The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has firmly established itself as a global sports powerhouse, with its remarkable transformation unfolding before a worldwide audience. In 2025, the league achieved unprecedented success, breaking all previous records and setting new benchmarks for viewership and engagement.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Postseason Triumph
During the 2025 postseason, the WNBA captivated fans like never before, rolling in an average of 1.5 million views per game. This staggering figure represents a significant milestone in the league's history, highlighting the growing popularity and mainstream appeal of women's professional basketball. The surge in viewership reflects a broader cultural shift, with women's sports gaining unprecedented momentum and recognition on the global stage.
USA Network's Strategic Move: Securing Elle Duncan
Capitalizing on this massive momentum, USA Sports has made a groundbreaking announcement by officially tapping Elle Duncan as the anchor for its inaugural studio coverage of the WNBA. This news, first reported by Sports Business Journal, confirms Duncan's highly anticipated return to women's basketball broadcasting.
This hiring is far more than just another personnel announcement; it represents a foundational shift in sports media. The decision comes on the heels of the league's landmark 11-year media rights deal with Versant, the parent company of USA Sports, which was finalized last September. This transformative agreement is set to officially take effect in the 2026 season, propelling the WNBA into primetime television slots and significantly expanding its reach.
The Impact of the Media Rights Deal
Under this historic media rights arrangement, USA Network will broadcast at least 50 WNBA games annually through 2036. By securing Elle Duncan, widely regarded as the most recognizable and respected studio voice in women's basketball, the network has made a powerful statement about its commitment to the league. This move acknowledges the multi-billion-dollar market potential of the WNBA and its virtually limitless growth prospects.
Sports Business Journal announced via social media, "USA Sports taps Elle Duncan as the studio host for its upcoming WNBA coverage on USA Network. Elle Duncan will lead pregame and postgame studio programming as part of the network's inaugural WNBA season, which begins in 2026 under the league's new long-term media rights deal." The network emphasized that this strategic hire adds an experienced and respected voice to their women's basketball coverage as they prepare for this expansive broadcasting commitment.
Elle Duncan's Homecoming and Career Evolution
For years, Elle Duncan served as the heartbeat of ESPN's WNBA Countdown, becoming synonymous with insightful analysis and engaging commentary. Her departure from ESPN left a considerable void in women's basketball coverage. Recently, Duncan joined Netflix as an on-air host for sports and live events, showcasing her versatility across different media platforms.
Her move to USA Network represents a homecoming of sorts, bringing her back to the sport where she built her reputation. This new role offers Duncan remarkable flexibility, allowing her to host global Netflix events like Skyscraper Live one day and provide expert breakdowns of WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson's footwork the next. Her decision to join USA Sports sends a clear message: top broadcasting talent actively seeks to cover the WNBA, but they increasingly want to do so on terms that allow for creative freedom and diverse opportunities.
Current Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite this positive momentum, the league currently faces challenges. The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have reached an impasse following the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) deadline, failing to find common ground on key issues. This stalemate creates uncertainty, though optimism remains that negotiations will ultimately prove successful.
Synergy Between Rising Stars and Enhanced Coverage
The timing of Duncan's hiring coincides perfectly with the WNBA's surging popularity, driven by emerging stars like Caitlin Clark and established players gaining global recognition. With Elle Duncan anchoring pregame and postgame shows, fans will benefit from her analytical expertise and deep understanding of the game, enhancing their viewing experience.
This increased visibility continues to elevate the league's valuation. If the new CBA can bridge the gap between the league's growing revenue and player compensation, the USA Network deal could represent more than just a broadcasting victory. It could help transform the WNBA into a fully evolved, sustainable global sports entity, setting new standards for women's professional athletics worldwide.
