Scripps Digs Deeper Into Women’s Sports, Striking Deals for Tournaments

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As an enthusiast, I’m eagerly joining the movement spearheaded by E.W. Scripps, where we’re collectively working towards establishing new platforms for women’s sports. It’s an exciting time as larger competitors are also aiming to follow suit in this empowering endeavor.

Following successful agreements last year with Scripps, which secured a Friday night WNBA showcase and Saturday night doubleheaders of the National Women’s Soccer League for their ION broadcast network, Scripps is now focusing on creating new sports franchises.

Come the autumn of 2025, ION will collaborate with Sports Illustrated to debut the SI Women’s Games. From October 28th until November 2nd, 2025, a week-long collection of team and individual competitions in sports such as basketball, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, and combat sports will see female athletes go head-to-head. Additionally, ION has been granted exclusive broadcasting rights for the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament, a prestigious early-season college basketball event, for the next five years. This new multiyear partnership is between Scripps Sports and Intersport, who manage the tournament.

According to Keisha Taylor Starr, Scripps’ chief marketing officer, “we strive to be a top choice for women’s sports.” In a recent interview, she emphasized that our support of women’s sports attracts a newer, more diverse, and wealthier audience.

The executives said they expect to launch studio programming to complement each tournament.

As a cinephile, I’m proud to be associated with not just any production company, but one that runs CourtTV, Grit, and Bounce – three channels that have become staples in many households. And let’s not forget the legendary Scripps National Spelling Bee, an event that never fails to showcase the incredible talent and intellect of young minds across the nation. It’s truly a privilege to be part of such a diverse and enriching media landscape.

According to Brian Norris, the executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the company, these media vehicles serve as a powerful means for advertisers to reach vast audiences. The company’s initial investment in women’s sports has proven beneficial, leading to increased fanbase, viewership, and advertiser interest.

Elsewhere within Scripps’ collection, CourtTV plans to reprise the true-crime series “Interview With a Killer”, an original that broke records as the network’s most-watched debut last autumn. This show is fronted by investigative journalist David Scott. Meanwhile, comedy series “Mind Your Business” on Bounce TV will be back for another season starting June 7 at 8 p.m. eastern time.

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2025-04-09 16:16