Thursday, April 16, 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

Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NBA Bends 65-Game Awards Rule For Doncic, Cunningham

Anthony Edwards, meanwhile, lost his appeal.
Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) and guard Darius Garland (10) in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.
exclusive

NBA Is in Talks With Kalshi and Polymarket

Discussions ramped up after the CFTC began engaging with leagues, sources say.
Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) steals the ball from Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the final minutes of the game of the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome

Thunder Rack Up Another Lottery Pick With Clippers Play-In Loss

L.A. hands over its pick while scandal still hangs over the team.

2026 WNBA Draft Was Second-Most Watched in Event History

Viewership trends mirror those of the NCAA women’s basketball title game.

Featured Today

blake griffin

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.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
LIV Golf livestream

LIV Golf Livestreams Crash Minutes After Mexico Event Tees Off

The league’s broadcast feeds were down for more than an hour.
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.
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.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
[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.
Feb 7, 2022; Westlake Village, CA, USA; ESPN reporter Dianna Russini at Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Opening Night at Oaks Christian High School. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
April 15, 2026

What’s Next for Dianna Russini? Sports Media Insiders Debate Her Future

Russini has made it clear she plans to continue her career.
LaChina Robinson Sarah Kustok
exclusive
April 15, 2026

LaChina Robinson, Sarah Kustok Expected to Join WNBA on NBC

NBC’s WNBA coverage continues to take shape.