The sports network has agreed to a deal with the NCAA for the broadcasting rights of an NIT-style tournament that will be the first by the NCAA, according to a report byThe value of the deal was not disclosed, but there were other deals revealed. The tournament, which will be called the"Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament," will feature 32 teams. It will be broadcast on ESPN+, but its semifinals will be on ESPNU and championship will be on ESPN2.
“ESPN’s portfolio of women’s basketball events has never been stronger,” Dan Ochs, ESPN director of programming and acquisitions, said in a statement. “Presenting the inaugural WBIT across ESPN platforms further expands ESPN and Disney’s commitment to elevating women’s sports and investing in the growth of women’s basketball at multiple levels.”that he saw"another leap" for women's basketball, and was even bullish about other women's college sports as well.