Bell Media has been named the official Canadian broadcast rights-holder for the WNBA in a multi-year deal announced Tuesday [1, 2, 3].
This agreement ensures comprehensive national visibility for the league as it expands into Canada, specifically supporting the debut of the Toronto Tempo. By securing these rights, Bell Media positions its networks as the primary destination for women's professional basketball in the region [1, 3].
Under the terms of the deal, TSN will broadcast and stream all Toronto Tempo games [1, 2]. The network's coverage extends beyond the local team to include additional regular-season games, the WNBA All-Star Game, the draft, the playoffs, and the finals [1, 2].
In addition to TSN, Bell Media will utilize its other platforms to broaden the league's reach. CTV and Crave will simulcast select games to provide further accessibility for viewers across the country [1, 2].
The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for the league as it establishes a presence in Toronto. The comprehensive coverage is intended to build a dedicated fanbase for the Tempo during their inaugural season [1, 3].
Bell Media's portfolio of sports and entertainment channels will manage the distribution of the content. This multi-platform approach allows the WNBA to leverage both traditional linear television and digital streaming services to reach different demographics within the Canadian market [2, 3].
“TSN will broadcast and stream all Toronto Tempo games”
The deal represents a strategic move to capitalize on the WNBA's international expansion. By anchoring the broadcast rights around the Toronto Tempo's inaugural season, Bell Media is betting on the growth of women's sports in Canada to drive subscriptions for Crave and viewership for TSN and CTV.
