ESPN Sets WNBA Regular-Season Viewership Record for Third Straight Year
ESPN networks averaged 1.37 million viewers across 29 WNBA regular-season games, a 17% increase from last year. The Aug. 16 matchup between Indiana and Atlanta drew 2.58 million viewers, the most-watched WNBA game ever on cable. Viewership among fans ages 2-17 and 18-24 also rose significantly.
ESPN's latest WNBA regular season averaged 1.37 million viewers over 29 telecasts, a 17% rise from the prior year and the network's third consecutive record. Its ESPN-only window averaged 1.24 million (up 32%), while ABC's 12 games drew 1.56 million (up 9%). Five contests surpassed two million viewers.
The Aug. 16 Indiana-Atlanta game on ESPN led with 2.58 million, described as cable's most-watched WNBA game ever, regular season or postseason. Younger viewership grew: ages 2-17 by 29% and 18-24 by 27%. Non-Indiana games averaged 984,000 (up 24%), and WNBA Countdown averaged 595,000 (up 27%).
The continued ratings growth may broaden WNBA visibility, potentially benefiting players, sponsors, broadcasters, and younger fans who see more basketball coverage. Higher youth viewership could influence how media companies program summer sports and how brands target emerging audiences. It may also encourage investment in women's sports, though whether these gains translate into lasting cultural or economic change remains uncertain.