ESPN just delivered its most-watched WNBA regular season ever. In addition, it marks the network’s third straight record-setting year.
What We Know: Across 29 games, the WNBA on ESPN networks averaged 1.37 million viewers, up 17% year-over-year. Specifically, 17 ESPN games averaged 1.24 million viewers, a 32% increase. Meanwhile, 12 games on ABC drew 1.56 million viewers, up 9%. In addition, five games topped two million viewers this season. Moreover, ESPN framed the milestone around the WNBA’s 30th season. According to the network, Indiana Fever-Atlanta Dream on August 16 led all games with 2.58 million viewers. In addition, ESPN added that the matchup became the most-watched WNBA game ever on cable, regular season or postseason. The network also pointed to younger fans, as viewers ages 2-17 rose 29% and ages 18-24 grew 27%.
What The Data Shows: Top Five Most-Viewed WNBA Regular Season Games On ESPN/ABC (Over 2 Million)
| Matchup | Date | Network | Average Viewership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream | 8/16 | ESPN | 2.58 million |
| Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky | 8/8 | ABC | 2.56 million |
| Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx | 8/2 | ABC | 2.52 million |
| Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings | 5/9 | ABC | 2.49 million |
| Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty | 8/11 | ESPN | 2.01 million |
What Remains Unclear: Still, non-Indiana games averaged 984,000 viewers, up 24%, while WNBA Countdown averaged 595,000, up 27%. Moreover, ESPN did not detail in the release how many non Indiana Fever games were broadcast.
What It Means: Ultimately, three straight record seasons point to sustained growth, not a one-year spike. Moreover, gains outside Indiana suggest interest extends beyond one team. Moreover, for ESPN and ABC, the WNBA now stands as a dependable summer ratings driver. Finally, the youth numbers signal an audience that could keep growing for years.
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