Tuesday, November 3, 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

New York Liberty Fire Chris DeMarco After One Year

The Liberty were swept by the Dream in the semifinals.

Valkyries Win WNBA Title in Second Season

It’s the last Finals appearance for WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

WNBA Finals Game 6 Draws 1.5M Viewers After Scheduling Uproar

The controversial matinee game outdrew last year’s primetime championship clincher.
Oct 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) celebrates with fans after a victory over the Golden State Valkyries in game six of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena.
First at FOS

WNBA ‘Assessing’ Possibility of Prediction Market Deals

The NBA announced partnerships with Kalshi and Polymarket this week.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/3/26 – First CFP Rankings, Wilbon Steps Away, NFL Coaching Hot Seats

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
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
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Jul 11, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; ESPN reporter Michael Wilbon prior to the Phoenix Suns against the Milwaukee Bucks in game three of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Wilbon Takes Indefinite Leave From ESPN, PTI for Health Reasons

The longtime “PTI” cohost insists he’s not retiring.
Mar 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; View of a camera with a Fox Sports logo before the game between the Houston Astros and the New York Mets at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
November 2, 2026

Fox Rides World Cup to $4.57B Quarter As Thanksgiving Hopes Fade

The network’s holiday hopes are dimming with a less attractive NFL matchup.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2026

Ernie Johnson Wants NBA to Cut Regular Season Below 82 Games

The TNT Sports host specifically pointed to the Thunder’s recent injuries.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
November 1, 2026

Tom Brady Curses on Air—Again

The FCC can issue fines or warnings for profanity on live television.
ernie johnson
October 30, 2026

Ernie Johnson Wants ‘Inside the NBA’ to Continue Without Him

Johnson said he doesn’t want to be “blamed” for ending the show.
October 29, 2026

NFL’s International Games Surge As Pregame Show Ratings Slip

NFL Network has one more Sunday morning game this season.
Nadia DeMarinis/FOS
October 29, 2026

Brian Kelly Not Closing Door on Return to Coaching

Kelly tells FOS he’s willing to listen about a return to the sidelines.