League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

WNBA Finals Game 1 attracts 2.1 million viewers on NBC

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 4:32 AM

Last updated Oct 22, 2026

WNBA Finals Game 1 attracts 2.1 million viewers on NBC

Summary

Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream drew 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, peaking at 3 million. This marks an 11 percent increase over last year's Finals opener. The game recorded the highest average viewership for a Game 1 in WNBA Finals history, excluding the 1997 inaugural season. NBC's broadcast of Game 1 was its first WNBA Finals game in 24 years, and Game 4 is also set to air on the network. Overall, the WNBA has seen significant viewership growth during the season, with record audience engagement across various platforms.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Game 1 drew an average of 2.1 million viewers
•Viewership peaked at 3 million
•Highest Game 1 average in WNBA Finals history
•NBC's first Finals broadcast in 24 years
•WNBA season saw record audience engagement

Latest Updates

4:32 AMYahoo Sports — WNBA Finals Hit Viewership Milestone on NBC as Game 1 Audience Jumps 11% From Last Year

What they're saying

"
The WNBA has reached multiple major viewership records and milestones during the 2026 season. And as it appears, more milestones are still arriving, with only a handful of Finals games remaining to be played.
— Yahoo Sports

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Golden State Valkyries Las Vegas Aces Minnesota Lynx New York Liberty Phoenix Mercury WNBA Basketball