In a significant development for sports broadcasting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Tegna has entered into an agreement with the Dallas Wings, making KFAA the exclusive local television partner for the WNBA team. This partnership ensures that all 2025 Wings games not designated for national television will be available free of charge over-the-air on KFAA (Channel 29), with some games possibly airing on WFAA (Channel 8). The deal also includes handling local and regional advertising and sponsorship sales for these broadcasts. This move strengthens KFAA's position as a leading destination for basketball fans in the region, adding to its existing partnerships with the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and the NBA G League’s Texas Legends.
The announcement of this broadcast partnership marks a pivotal moment for the Dallas Wings and women's sports in North Texas. Greg Bibb, CEO and managing partner of the Dallas Wings, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the expanded reach it offers to fans. "Through the extensive coverage of KFAA, more people than ever before will have access to Wings games," he said. The investment by Tegna in women's sports is seen as a significant boost for the visibility and popularity of the Wings.
Carolyn Mungo, president and general manager of WFAA/KFAA, emphasized the strategic fit of the Wings within their growing roster of sports broadcasts. "KFAA has become synonymous with basketball in the region, and we are thrilled to include the Wings in our lineup," she remarked. The station's commitment to showcasing the Wings' tenth anniversary season underscores its dedication to providing top-tier sports programming to viewers across North Texas.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Wings plan to relocate downtown to play in a renovated Dallas Memorial Auditorium, complete with a state-of-the-art practice facility nearby. The team has also undergone significant changes in leadership, including the appointment of Curt Miller as executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager, and Chris Koclanes as head coach. Additionally, the Wings secured the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft, following their victory in the draft lottery last November.
Fans will have multiple options to watch KFAA's broadcasts, including through cable, satellite, streaming services, or an HD antenna. The station is widely available on various providers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, ensuring broad accessibility for viewers. This comprehensive approach to distribution aims to make watching Wings games as convenient as possible for fans, enhancing their overall viewing experience.