In a move that surprised no one, UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in Monday’s WNBA Draft. The draft broadcast on ESPN became the second most-watched in league history, primarily due to Bueckers’ star power. This presents a great opportunity for one local Dallas channel to benefit from the Wings’ exciting new addition.
In February, the Dallas Wings and KFAA established a media rights agreement that allows the network to air all team games not designated for national broadcasts. The NBA’s Dallas Mavericks enjoy a similar arrangement with the channel, enhancing local sports coverage.
Fortunately for KFAA, many Wings games this season are not scheduled for national broadcast windows; according to Front Office Sports, 28 out of their 44 games will be shown on the local station. Comparatively, their peer franchise, the Indiana Fever, features the league’s biggest star, Caitlin Clark, but 41 of their 44 games will be aired on national broadcasts as the league aims to capitalize fully on Clark’s stardom.
Additionally, the Wings have secured local broadcast agreements in nearby markets such as Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Increasingly, teams are opting to showcase their games on local over-the-air channels to broaden their reach. With Paige Bueckers entering the WNBA as one of the league’s greatest television draws, KFAA is poised to attract substantial audiences this season.
