Women of Wrestling will expand its fifth season by staging its first live broadcasts from L.A. Live in Los Angeles and giving co-owner and promoter Jeanie Buss a larger on-screen role. The move is intended to turn WOW from a syndicated television programme into a year-round destination for major live events, reflecting wider broadcaster interest in live women’s sport.

Founded by David McLane, WOW describes itself as the only all-women’s wrestling league on television. Its first four seasons were nationally syndicated through Paramount Global Content Distribution; the league says it has retained 93% of its audience season to season and increased its social-media following by 96% since its first season. Buss, also a Los Angeles Lakers governor and minority owner, said the expansion supports WOW’s aim of increasing women’s visibility in sport and entertainment.