“It’s been a true privilege to be part of this team during such a monumental year”

The WNBA has delivered a record-setting 2024 season, including nabbing the spot for the most-watched WNBA regular season ever across ESPN platforms.

Heading into ESPN’s 28th consecutive year presenting the WNBA Finals, meet Johanna Goldblatt, Manager, Programming & Acquisitions, Professional Basketball.

Goldblatt is a key figure on ESPN’s WNBA programming team and has played a pivotal role in the league’s coverage. Known for her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and passion for women’s basketball, she also contributed to ESPN’s landmark 11-year media rights extension with the NBA and WNBA.

Front Row asked Goldblatt to discuss her insights on the WNBA and its incredible success.

Take us behind the scenes and share what went into programming the Playoffs across ESPN platforms this season.
It’s been an incredible year for Team WNBA, with the increased attention and audience expansion driving a strategic scheduling approach. Each of the 25 regular-season games carried significant importance and unique storytelling opportunities. The flexibility to adapt, like showcasing the Chicago Sky after they drafted LSU’s Angel Reese, helped achieve record-high viewership.

Walk us through how your team engineered ESPN’s WNBA postseason schedule.
We spent nearly a year working with the league to optimize the schedule, knowing this season would be unique due to the Olympic break, which pushed the playoffs later into the fall.Our strategy focused on innovative initiatives and maximizing available windows while balancing the busy sports calendar. For the first time, we also introduced on the first day of the playoffs four games in a row on a Sunday across ESPN and ABC, resulting in an 89% increase in viewership from last year’s first round.

How is ESPN looking to maintain the momentum we’re seeing with WNBA?
Women’s basketball coverage continues year-round, with strong connections between the WNBA and women’s college basketball. We have exciting off-season events planned, including the Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft in December. Our 11-year extension with the WNBA reinforces our long-term commitment to the sport.

Reflect on the pivotal year for the league and what it means to you.
It’s been a true privilege to be part of this team during such a monumental year. ESPN has been with the league from the very beginning, serving as its most passionate champion. I’m so grateful for the cross-company collaboration and amazing team that works tirelessly to give fans the coverage they deserve.

RAPID RUNDOWN

Name: Johanna Goldblatt
Hometown: Atlanta
Years at ESPN: 5
Title: Manager, Professional Basketball, Programming & Acquisitions
Favorite Sports Team: Vanderbilt Commodores
Favorite Athlete: Diana Taurasi
Sport she likes to practice most: Swimming

EDITOR’S NOTE: The 2024 WNBA Finals begin as the Minnesota Lynx visit the New York Liberty (Game 1, tonight, 8 ET, ESPN) in the best-of-five championship series. For more on ESPN’s coverage, visit ESPN Press Room.