ESPN Launches "Women’s Sports Now" to Elevate Coverage of Women's Athletics

ESPN has announced the launch of "Women’s Sports Now," a weekly series set to premiere on April 16, 2026. The show will be available across all ESPN digital platforms, marking its transition from Roku, where it previously enjoyed a successful run. The series aims to enhance the visibility and coverage of women's sports, featuring a diverse panel of hosts including Emmy Award-winning reporter Suzy Shuster, two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery, veteran broadcaster Colleen Wolfe, and comedian Sarah Tiana.

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The decision to bring "Women’s Sports Now" to ESPN aligns with the increasing popularity of women's sports. Recent data indicates a significant rise in viewership, exemplified by the women's NCAA basketball final between UCLA and South Carolina, which attracted 9.88 million viewers—a 16% increase from the previous year. This surge in interest has prompted ESPN to expand its offerings, including a prime-time women's sports window scheduled for summer 2026.

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The show is produced in collaboration with several entities, including APX Content Ventures, Rich Eisen Productions, Firefly Studios, Montgomery’s Think Tank Productions, and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine. The co-hosts bring a mix of expertise and enthusiasm to the program, aiming to engage both casual viewers and dedicated fans of women's sports.

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Justin Craig, ESPN Vice President of Digital & Audio Production, emphasized the network's commitment to serving fans of women's sports, stating, “Women’s Sports Now brings together four dynamic voices who can inform, entertain and connect with audiences in a meaningful way.” Sara Rea from Firefly Studios highlighted the show's potential to capture the growing viewership, noting, “These dynamic co-hosts bring the perfect mix of sports insight, personality, and fun.” Miller Lite's senior director of marketing, Mara Schaefer, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with ‘Women’s Sports Now’ and cheers to legendary moments for players and fans alike.”

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While the initiative has garnered support, some critics argue that despite the growing viewership, women's sports still face systemic challenges in terms of funding and media coverage compared to their male counterparts. The sustainability of such programs will depend on continued investment and audience engagement.

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• “Women’s sports continue to experience a seismic surge in viewership, and Women’s Sports Now is built to meet that moment,” — Sara Rea, Producer, Firefly Studios

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• “I come to ‘WSN’ from a place of curiosity,” said Shuster.” — Suzy Shuster, Co-host

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• “ Mara Schaefer, senior director of marketing for Miller Lite, adds, “Women’s sports have long created legendary moments, and Miller Lite’s 50-year history is built around the same goal.” — Mara Schaefer, Senior Director of Marketing, Miller Lite

Variety Magazine

As "Women’s Sports Now" prepares for its debut, ESPN plans to leverage its internal data to further enhance its programming related to women's sports. The network's commitment to expanding coverage reflects a broader trend in the sports industry, aiming to capitalize on the increasing interest and participation in women's athletics.

Variety Magazine