Indiana Fever extend TV deal with WTHR-13, bringing more games to local fans
A total of 18 Fever games — 14 on WTHR and four on WALV — will be available for free, over-the-air to fans in central Indiana, covering more than one-third of the 2025 season.
Indiana Fever fans in central Indiana will have an over-the-air, free television option for more than one-third of games during the 2025 season.
The team has reached agreement with WTHR-13, the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, on a contract extension to air games for a second consecutive season. It’s a two-year deal, building on the success of the 2024 season.
WTHR will broadcast 14 games locally, while its sister station WALV (MeTV) will carry four.
The deal was negotiated by Dan Granik and David Sternberg of Range Sports.
Already, 41 of the Fever’s 44 games are scheduled to air on national TV — the most in league history.
“With our team’s powerful roster of veteran talent and young stars, we’re positioned to have an unforgettable season, and we look forward to having more fans follow our journey,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines. “WTHR and TEGNA continue to be incredible partners, and together, we’re going to deliver more exciting, fast-paced Fever basketball to households in the Indianapolis region than ever before.”
According to the team, Fever games on WTHR were watched in nearly two-thirds more homes than nationally televised matchups, boasting a 63% household ratings increase over national network games.
The 2024 broadcast team featured Pat Boylan, Hall of Famer Debbie Antonelli, and Kelsie Kasper.
WTHR is a longtime partner of PS&E. As first reported here in December, the station aired five Pacers games this season in a simulcast with FanDuel Sports Network Indiana.
Now, the network is positioning itself as the local TV home for the Fever — who are smashing previous metrics and quickly becoming one of the most followed franchises outside of the NFL.
“As Indiana's News Leader, WTHR is excited to work with the Indiana Fever to bring the hottest ticket in town to millions of fans across the region,” said Michael Brouder, president and general manager of WTHR. “We’re proud of our partnership, and the strength we have as a local broadcaster to amplify passion for our hometown team.”
Last year’s deal with WTHR, which is owned by TEGNA, included additional regional stations airing Fever games — from Iowa to Ohio. No announcement has been made at this time about similar plans for 2025.
Expect at least a few more local broadcasting announcements in the coming weeks.
Some people don't get 13.3 and or 46. Last yr they had Fever games on channels and I got and Direct TV did not pick them up and went with there national programing. Just out to be on 13. Just like Colts and Indians they would have post game shows and or ball games on 8 and 23. Direct TV and DISH Network has been off 8/23 since te=he new TV station owner took over and he had a Federal Discrimination lawsuit. Federal court threw it out and TV stations left us out! U never bring ur customers into any company actions! Local sports teams should not go with channels that cannot provide coverage of there product to all the fans out there with there providers. Not go buy a attena, figure out how to hook it up, program ur TV for a specific channel!