Indiana Fever Expands Broadcast Partnership for Fans
In a thrilling move for basketball enthusiasts, the Indiana Fever has announced an extension of their broadcast agreement with WTHR, the local NBC affiliate. This multi-year partnership promises to deliver an unprecedented number of games, transforming the experience for fans in central Indiana.
Enhancing Fan Engagement and Access
The collaboration between the Fever and WTHR will elevate the visibility of the games broadcasted over the air. Fans in central Indiana will now have the chance to watch 18 games live, courtesy of WTHR and WALV, TEGNA's MeTV affiliate. This significant increase in game broadcasts is designed to give more fans an opportunity to cheer for the Fever as they aim for a return to the WNBA playoffs.
Record Setting Viewership
Recent statistics highlight the success of WTHR's broadcast efforts. Last season, viewership for the Indiana Fever soared, with local broadcasts reaching nearly two-thirds more households compared to national matchups. The surge in ratings, which saw a remarkable 63% increase in household ratings over national broadcasts, showcases the Fever’s growing fan base beyond just the dedicated sports community.
Quotes from Leadership
Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, expressed excitement about the season ahead, stating, “With our team’s powerful roster of veteran talent and young stars, we’re positioned to have an unforgettable season.” Raines emphasized the partnership with WTHR and TEGNA as critical for expanding the Fever's reach.
Brad Ramsey, senior vice president of media operations at TEGNA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their commitment to enhancing the viewing experience for fans. “As we expand our partnerships across sports leagues, we’re thrilled to collaborate with Pacers Sports & Entertainment,” he said. This enthusiasm signifies TEGNA's dedication to increasing sports engagement in the region.
WTHR's Local Commitment
Michael Brouder, president and general manager of WTHR, emphasized the station's role as Indiana’s News Leader, saying they are excited to partner with the Fever to bring thrilling basketball action to millions of fans. This partnership reinforces the commitment of local broadcasters to support and promote hometown teams.
Game Schedule Announced
Fans can eagerly await the upcoming game schedule, which features several exciting matchups. The Fever will kick off their broadcast season with games starting on May 20, showcasing key battles against teams like Atlanta and Las Vegas. The list includes prime-time showdowns like:
- May 20 vs. Atlanta, 7 p.m. ET
- June 3 vs. Washington, 7 p.m. ET
- July 3 vs. Las Vegas, 7 p.m. ET
- July 5 vs. Los Angeles, 7 p.m. ET
- And many more throughout the season!
National Broadcast Milestone
This season, the Fever has made headlines by ensuring that 41 out of 44 games will also be featured nationally on television—a franchise record. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the history of the team, setting a high standard for televised coverage in the WNBA.
Get Your Tickets!
For those eager to see the Fever in action, single-game and group tickets for the upcoming season are now available. Fans can easily purchase tickets online to ensure they don't miss a moment of the exhilarating action. To stay connected with the team, downloading the official Indiana Fever App will provide fans with all the updates they need, including game schedules and ticketing information.
About the Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever, backed by the organization's shared values, is committed to providing enriching basketball experiences both on and off the court. With a dedicated team and passionate fanbase, the Fever aims to foster a vibrant community through the love of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the new broadcasting deal?
The deal allows the Indiana Fever to reach more fans by broadcasting a record number of games locally, enhancing fan engagement and viewership.
How many games will be aired locally?
WTHR and WALV will air 18 games locally throughout the season.
What improvements were seen in viewership last season?
Last season, Fever games on WTHR saw a 63% increase in household ratings over national broadcasts, showing significant growth in local viewership.
When do the Fever's broadcasts begin?
The Fever's broadcast season will kick off on May 20, featuring exciting matchups against teams like Atlanta.
How can fans purchase tickets for the Fever games?
Fans can buy single-game and group tickets through the Indiana Fever website, and they can also download the official app for more information.
