Roku, the popular streaming platform, has recently unveiled a new feature designed to cater to the growing demand for women's sports content. The company launched the Women's Sports Zone on Wednesday, offering sports enthusiasts a dedicated platform to search, discover, and stream a wide array of women's sports programming. From live games and competitions to on-demand and free content, the Women's Sports Zone aims to provide better access to women's sports for Roku users.
The Women's Sports Zone will showcase a variety of sports events, including games from the National Women's Soccer League, the U.S. Women's World Cup, and the LPGA. In addition to these prominent leagues, Roku users can also enjoy free content such as The Women's Sports Network, "The Longshots," "Prodigy," and "Bring It!" on The Roku Channel.
By partnering with major sports broadcasters and streaming services, Roku ensures that users can stream all games from ESPN, ABC, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN+, Paramount+, Prime Video, and the WNBA League Pass. This comprehensive coverage comes just in time for the 2023 WNBA season, which commences on Friday, May 19.
The Women's Sports Zone can be easily accessed on Roku devices. It is conveniently located under the "Sports" category on the home screen, allowing users to navigate through the extensive women's sports content effortlessly. They can use the Roku Search or Roku Voice feature on their TV remote to search for specific terms such as "women's sports," their favorite team, or a particular league.
The introduction of the Women's Sports Zone by Roku reflects the increasing popularity and demand for women's sports. A 2022 poll conducted by the National Research Group revealed that 30% of sports enthusiasts in the United States now watch more women's sports than they did five years ago.
Moreover, an overwhelming 85% of sports fans, including 79% of men, believe that women's sports should continue to grow. This upward trend is exemplified by the rising viewership of the WNBA, with the 2022 season being the most-watched since 2006.
Kelli Raftery, Roku's Vice President of Global Communications, emphasized the company's commitment to elevating women's sports programming. She stated, "The popularity and demand for women's sports are greater than ever, and at Roku, we continue to commit to elevating this important programming for our customers." Raftery further highlighted the significance of the Women's Sports Zone, stating that it allows fans to easily access the content they love, just in time for the WNBA season tip-off.
With the launch of the Women's Sports Zone, Roku is taking a significant step towards promoting gender equality in sports coverage. By providing a dedicated platform for women's sports, the streaming platform not only acknowledges the increasing demand for such content but also creates opportunities for greater exposure and recognition for female athletes. As interest in women's sports continues to grow, Roku's initiative is likely to inspire other media outlets to follow suit, further amplifying the voices and accomplishments of women in the sporting world.