The world of women's basketball is about to get a major boost, and I'm thrilled to dive into the details of this exciting development. CBS Sports, one of the last national broadcasters to join the WNBA coverage bandwagon, is pulling out all the stops for the upcoming season. From expanded studio shows to fully onsite productions, the network is committed to showcasing the league's growth and excitement.
A New Era for WNBA Coverage
The WNBA season is kicking off with a bang, and CBS Sports is bringing a fresh approach. With a doubleheader on May 23, featuring the Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Sky, and the Los Angeles Sparks facing the Las Vegas Aces, the network is setting the tone for an action-packed season. But it's not just about the games; CBS Sports is taking a holistic approach, with studio programming playing a pivotal role.
Studio Shows: A Season-Long Companion
One of the most notable changes is the expansion of the WNBA Tip-Off Show. This premiere studio show will now be a fixture throughout the entire season, offering pre-game analysis, halftime insights, and post-game breakdowns for ten matchups. All shows will be based in the CBS Broadcast Center in New York, with six airing on CBS and Paramount+, and four digital-exclusive editions on CBS Sports HQ. The host, Jenny Dell, will be joined by analysts Lisa Leslie and Renee Montgomery, bringing a wealth of basketball expertise and insight.
On-Site Productions: A Technical Marvel
Technologically, CBS Sports is pulling out all the stops. Every game will be broadcast with a standard 12-camera setup, including three Sony HDC-5500 cameras for super-slow-motion replays. NEP Specialty Capture's robotic cameras will be positioned above each basket, and an operated camera will be deployed for select matchups. The production team will also utilize RF handhelds for live sideline hits and Chyron's PAINT for enhanced telestration. All this technology will be housed in mobile units provided by Game Creek Video and NEP Group, ensuring a seamless and high-quality production experience.
A Coordinated Effort: Operations and Production
Executing 20 games over four months with expanded studio coverage is no small feat. CBS Sports has assembled a talented team, including Jenna McKeon, senior director of remote technical operations, who has been planning for months. The operations team, led by SVP Jason Cohen, and the production team, headed by VP Todd Keryc, are working in tandem to ensure a successful season. With a well-equipped crew and established workflows, they are poised to deliver an exceptional viewing experience.
A Bright Future for the WNBA
As CBS Sports gears up for its best year yet covering the WNBA, the network's enthusiasm is palpable. The growth of the league and the excitement surrounding it are infectious, and CBS Sports is committed to showcasing this momentum. With 18 more games to come after the May 23 doubleheader, basketball fans can look forward to an action-packed season, and I, for one, can't wait to see how this partnership between CBS Sports and the WNBA unfolds.
