Pac‑12 extends partnership with The CW, elevating women’s basketball and Cougar Athletics

A WSU women's basketball player drives past two defenders while preparing to shoot the ball.
The CW will feature 15 women’s basketball games annually, and will also broadcast the semifinal and championship rounds of the Pac‑12 Women’s Basketball Tournament (photo by Shelly Hanks, WSU Photo Services).

Washington State University will gain unprecedented national exposure for women’s basketball as part of the Pac-12 Conference’s newly extended broadcast partnership with The CW Network. Announced this week, the agreement runs through the 2030–31 season and expands The CW’s commitment to televising Pac-12 sports beginning with the 2026–27 season.

The CW will carry 13 regular season football games, 35 men’s basketball games, and for the first time features 15 women’s basketball games annually. The network will also broadcast the semifinal and championship rounds of the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament, ensuring Cougar student-athletes compete on a free, over-the-air platform reaching all U.S. households.

“This partnership with The CW greatly expands national visibility for Washington State University, shining a spotlight on our student-athletes and the strength of Cougar athletics,” said WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell. “It is especially gratifying that women’s basketball will now have a consistent presence on nationwide broadcasts. This kind of exposure elevates women’s sports and inspires the next generation of athletes.”

This partnership with The CW greatly expands national visibility for Washington State University, shining a spotlight on our student-athletes and the strength of Cougar athletics.

Elizabeth Cantwell, president
Washington State University

The CW has become a rising force in sports broadcasting, with Pac-12 games among its top-rated live broadcasts.

For WSU fans, the expanded partnership means Cougar athletics, already a fixture in football coverage, will see women’s basketball showcased like never before. This visibility not only enhances the reach of Cougar athletics but also underscores the conference’s commitment to equity and national impact.

With The CW and Pac-12 partnership secured, Cougar Nation can look forward to seeing more crimson and gray on screens nationwide.

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