ESPN Adds Weekly Primetime Block For Women’s Sports

Forbes Business

by Lindsey Darvin, Contributor

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Disney and ESPN are set to replace Sunday Night Baseball with a new weekly primetime women’s sports block, marking a significant shift in their programming strategy. This move will prioritize women's sports on primetime television starting in June, reflecting a growing trend toward greater visibility and representation for female athletes. The decision underscores the importance of addressing gender equality in sports media and highlights ESPN's commitment to diversifying its content offerings. The new weekly block is part of a broader effort by Disney and ESPN to expand their coverage of women’s sports, which has historically faced limited airtime compared to male-dominated sports like baseball. By replacing one of its most iconic programs, Sunday Night Baseball, with a dedicated platform for women's sports, the network signals a strategic pivot toward inclusivity and audience engagement. This change aligns with the increasing demand for diverse content among viewers and highlights the potential for women’s sports to attract a broader audience. From a business perspective, this initiative could open new revenue streams for Disney and ESPN by tapping into an underserved market. Women's sports have seen rising popularity in recent years, driven by the success of events like the FIFA Women's World Cup and the WNBA. By positioning itself as a leader in women’s sports coverage, ESPN aims to attract a loyal fan base and position itself at the forefront of this evolving trend. The move also aligns with broader industry shifts toward greater diversity and inclusion in media. Ultimately, this new primetime block represents more than just a programming change—it signifies a cultural shift in how women's sports are valued and showcased. By dedicating prime时段 to female athletes, Disney and ESPN are not only addressing gender disparities but also setting the stage for long-term growth in women’s sports media. For fans of women’s sports, this development is a step toward greater visibility and recognition, while businesses like ESPN stand to benefit from aligning with this progressive movement.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/19/2026