Sunday, April 19, 2026

WNBA Finals Viewership Falters in Game 2

  • Wednesday night’s blowout 104-76 win for the Las Vegas Aces averaged 626,000 viewers on ESPN — the Finals’ least-watched game since 2020.
  • However, the series’ first two games have combined for 680,000 average viewers — the most for a WNBA Finals through Game 2 in 20 years.
Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum reacts to a play against the New York Liberty in the second half during game two of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

After a strong start, the WNBA Finals’ viewership had a setback for Game 2.

Wednesday night’s blowout 104-76 win for the Las Vegas Aces over the New York Liberty averaged 626,000 viewers on ESPN — the Finals’ least-watched game since the pandemic-affected 2020 matchup between the Aces and Seattle Storm (409,000 viewers), per SportsMediaWatch

It was also a 4% year-over-year decline from 2022’s Game 2 when the Aces handled the Connecticut Sun 85-71 to an audience of 649,000 viewers. Competition from the MLB Postseason and the second night of the NHL regular season could have caused the lower viewership.

However, ESPN is spinning the 2023 Finals thus far as a win, primarily due to the 729,000 average viewers that tuned in for Game 1.

The series’ first two games have combined for 680,000 viewers on average — the most for a WNBA Finals through Game 2 in 20 years and a 13% increase from 2022. 

The Finals will look to build on those numbers in Game 3 when it goes up against the NFL again on Sunday — but even if the game falters on television, it should be a raucous atmosphere in person: Game 3 is on track to be one of the most expensive WNBA tickets on record.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

March Madness Hero Braylon Mullins Will Stay at UConn

The Huskies star will return for his sophomore season.

Caitlin Clark Prioritizes Health As WNBA Banks on Her Availability

The Indiana Fever star played in just 13 games last season.

Liberty Stars Are Taking Major Pay Cuts to Chase a WNBA Title

The new CBA makes it harder for teams to sign multiple max players.
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Azzi Fudd poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Wings Shut Down Question to Azzi Fudd About Paige Bueckers Relationship

The Wings selected Fudd first overall earlier this week.

Featured Today

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
Brandon Marshall Portfolio Players

Brandon Marshall Nearly Quit FS1 Over Nick Wright Argument

Marshall tells FOS he took issue with Wright’s lack of “take integrity.”
LIV Golf livestream
April 16, 2026

LIV Golf Loses Mexico Livestream for Nearly Three Hours

The league’s broadcast feeds were down for more than an hour.
A smartphone showing the Netflix logo is held in front of a television displaying the Netflix home screen with Top 10 content rows in Paris, Ile de France, France, February 28, 2026. The scene illustrates video on demand streaming and second screen viewing on connected devices.
April 16, 2026

Netflix: There’s ‘Opportunity to Expand the Relationship’ With NFL

The streaming giant touts big results from its live sports content.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Apr 25, 2024; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Kevin Kisner reacts to his shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 16, 2026

NBC’s Kevin Kisner Apologizes for Torching CBS Masters Coverage

Kisner admitted he “crossed the line” with his now-viral rant.
The Miz Stephen A. Smith WWE
April 16, 2026

ESPN Going All Out for WWE WrestleMania in Las Vegas

There has been plenty of crossover between ESPN and WWE this week.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images
exclusive
April 16, 2026

NFL, YouTube in Advanced Talks for 5-Game Package

The deal has yet to be finalized.
Mar 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
April 15, 2026

NBA Viewership Up 16% in Year 1 of New Media Deal

The league faced heavy scrutiny last year for its declining ratings.