Wednesday, October 14, 2026

WNBA Draft Is ESPN’s Most-Viewed in 19 Years

  • Viewership for this year’s draft was up 42% compared to last year’s event.
  • The WNBA Draft comes from one of the most memorable and historic NCAA women’s college basketball seasons.
WNBA Draft ratings.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Monday’s WNBA Draft on ESPN was the league’s most-viewed draft since 2004, and the second-most viewed WNBA Draft on record. 

ESPN said 572,000 viewers tuned into this week’s draft, which saw the Indiana Fever select South Carolina star Aliyah Boston with the first-overall pick. Viewership for this year’s draft was up 42% compared to ESPN’s coverage of the 2022 WNBA Draft, which averaged 403,000 viewers. 

Viewership for the league is on the upswing after last year’s season was the most-viewed on ESPN since 2006. Improved ratings could result in continued benefits felt by WNBA players, such as an expanded charter flight program that will debut this upcoming season. 

The Draft comes from one of the most memorable and historic NCAA women’s college basketball seasons after LSU defeated Iowa in the national title game.

The tournament garnered record ratings during March Madness. Despite not being eligible for the WNBA Draft, LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark helped bring momentum to the sport.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Atlanta Dream to Use Entire NBA Arena for WNBA Finals

The Dream have averaged about 9,700 fans per game during the playoffs.
Elle Duncan Front Office Sports

Elle Duncan: WNBA Culture Wars Are ‘Open Season’ on Black Women

Duncan reiterated her belief that covering the league is “toxic as hell.”

Atlanta Dream Likely to Host WNBA Finals at Tiny Home Arena

The Dream will play their home games at State Farm next year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/14/26 – Live From FOS’s Tuned In: Chris Berman on NFL’s 18-Game Push, Pablo Torre Says He’s Investigating LeBron’s Chopper, and More

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The ‘MNF’ duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.
October 14, 2026

Jessica Berman Says Failed Victory+ Deal Was Risk Worth Taking

The NWSL had a deal with failed streamer Victory+.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.
October 14, 2026

NFL Will Be Selective With Game-Day Schedule, Says Media Chief

International Super Bowl is “a little bit far” off.