E.W. Scripps Company Partners with Las Vegas Aces for Exciting Broadcasting Deal
1. A New Era for Las Vegas Aces Fans
In a significant move for both the Las Vegas Aces and Scripps Sports, the two organizations have announced a multiyear partnership that designates Vegas 34 as the official broadcast home for the Aces' regular season games. This agreement allows fans to catch all non-nationally exclusive games on local cable, satellite, and over-the-air television. Although the financial specifics of the deal have not been disclosed, the partnership is expected to enhance the visibility and accessibility of the WNBA champions in the Las Vegas market.
2. Scripps Sports Expands Its Sports Portfolio
Scripps Sports, a division of The E.W. Scripps Company, has a mission to serve various professional and college sports leagues with local market depth and a national broadcast reach. With this new agreement, Scripps continues to solidify its commitment to delivering premier sports content to a diverse audience. The company already boasts partnerships with several major leagues, including the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), and the National Hockey League (NHL).
3. Highlights of the Partnership
The collaboration between the Las Vegas Aces and Scripps Sports is not just limited to game broadcasts. Fans can also look forward to a new weekly show titled "In the Paint," which will feature highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content related to the Aces. This 30-minute program aims to deepen fan engagement by providing exclusive insights into the team’s journey as they strive for their third consecutive WNBA championship.
4. Aces' Recent Success and Future Aspirations
Nikki Fargas, the president of the Las Vegas Aces, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the team's recent achievements, including back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. Fargas noted that the partnership with Vegas 34 will allow even more fans to experience the thrill of Aces basketball, especially as they aim for a third title. The Aces have garnered an ardent fan base, evidenced by their sold-out games and record-setting season ticket sales in 2024.
5. A Strong Marketing Platform
In addition to the broadcasting capabilities of Vegas 34, Scripps also owns KTNV-TV Channel 13, the ABC affiliate in Las Vegas. This asset will serve as a robust marketing platform for the Aces, further amplifying their reach within the local community. John Cook, vice president and general manager of Vegas 34 and KTNV-TV, emphasized the station's pride in being the broadcasting home of champions, noting the Aces' alignment with other successful teams like the Vegas Golden Knights.
6. Looking Ahead
The complete local television schedule for the Aces on Vegas 34 will be unveiled once the full WNBA national broadcast schedule is announced. The regular season is set to commence on May 16, 2025, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming action.
7. Conclusion
The partnership between the Las Vegas Aces and Scripps Sports marks a significant milestone in the growth of women's sports broadcasting, particularly in Las Vegas. With both organizations committed to enhancing fan engagement and showcasing the talent of the Aces, this collaboration promises to be a win-win for the team, its supporters, and the broader sports community. As the Aces prepare to defend their championship title, fans can expect an exhilarating season ahead.