• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
    More
    Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now
    Media

    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.
    By
    Apr 12, 2023 | 02:52 pm
    UPDATED Apr 12, 2023 | 09:42 pm
    WNBA Draft ratings.
    Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

    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.

    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read
    by

    What’s Next for JuJu Watkins, USC? Injury Casts Uncertainty on Future
    Watkins will be eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft.
    Unrivaled
    by

    How Unrivaled Won and Lost in Year 1
    The league delivered an exciting product but modest ratings on cable.
    by

    Caitlin Clark, Fever Will Play 41 of 44 Games on National TV..
    The next-highest team, the Aces, will play in 33 national games.
    Feb 17, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; ESPN broadcasters Richard Jefferson (left), Monica McNutt (center) and Mark Jones during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Huntsman Center.
    by

    ESPN’s Monica McNutt Doesn’t Rule Out WNBA Work Stoppage
    She believes these pro women’s players are laying the groundwork for the future.

    Featured Today

    Kendall Coyne Schofield
    by

    Kendall Coyne Schofield Wants More for the Next Wave of Mom-Athletes
    The Walter Cup-winning Frost captain says small changes mean “everything.”
    Dec 21, 2024; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to pass the ball against USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) in the first half at XL Center.
    March 23, 2025

    ‘More Value to Be Had’: Were Women’s March Madness Media Rights Undersold?
    Could the NCAA have gotten millions more in its latest TV deal?
    Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Jasen Green (0) dunks the ball during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena
    March 22, 2025

    Basketball-Only Schools Could See Power Surge After House Settlement Approval 
    Football teams might monopolize the revenue-sharing dollars at power conference schools.
    Mar 15, 2025; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) after hitting a three-point basket against the Creighton Bluejays in the second half at Madison Square Garden.
    March 20, 2025

    Perfect Storm: St. John’s Biggest Fans Can’t Bet on the School
    In the No. 1 sports betting market, the Red Storm are off-limits.

    More in Media
    by

    March Madness TV Ratings Surge to 32-Year High Despite No Cinderellas
    Games so far have averaged 9.4 million viewers.
    March 23, 2025

    MLB Wants to Split ESPN’s Rights Between Multiple Companies
    A more disparate strategy is emerging for ESPN’s expiring MLB rights.
    March 24, 2025

    No Cinderella, No Problem: Why Sweet 16 Could Draw Huge Ratings
    There are only four conferences represented in the men’s Sweet 16.
    Sponsored

    How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture
    As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
    Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Karter Knox (11) controls the ball against Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
    March 21, 2025

    Men’s March Madness Sets Opening-Day Viewership Record
    CBS Sports and TNT Sports scored big with Arkansas–Kansas.
    March 20, 2025

    UNC’s First Four Win Delivers Record Ratings for March Madness Opener
    TruTV drew 2.2 million viewers for Tuesday’s victory over San Diego State.
    March 20, 2025

    ESPN’s Monica McNutt Wants to Build a Life, Not Just a Career
    Monica McNutt spoke to FOS about thriving in sports media.
    Rory McIlroy arrives on the tee box on the 16th hole to compete in a three-hole aggregate playoff of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass Monday March 17, 2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. McIlroy won his second Players Championship at +1 over J.J. Spaun.
    March 18, 2025

    McIlroy Boosts Players Championship TV Ratings Despite Weather Delay
    NBC drew 3.6 million viewers for Sunday’s final round.