WNBA reports highest regular-season viewership since 2000
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 4:37 PM
Last updated Sep 30, 2026
The WNBA recorded its best regular-season viewership since 2000 during the 2026 season, averaging 771,000 viewers per game. This marked a 17 percent increase from 2025, with 51 games reaching over 1 million viewers., games not involving the Indiana Fever experienced a 24 percent increase on ABC/ESPN, indicating widespread growth in viewer interest. Despite airing across multiple networks, only ION saw a slight decline in viewership. The league's continued popularity aligns with recent attendance and revenue increases, contributing to successful collective-bargaining agreements enhancing player compensation.
- •WNBA averaged 771,000 viewers in 2026, up 17 percent.
- •51 games had over 1 million viewers, including 9 over 2 million.
- •Non-Indiana Fever games saw a 24 percent viewership rise.
- •2026 season's viewership increase began a new media deal year.
- •Overall attendance and revenue have risen since 2019.
- 4:37 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA turns in best regular-season viewership since 2000
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