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WNBA viewership rises significantly amid women's sports surge

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 7:30 PM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

WNBA viewership rises significantly amid women's sports surge

Summary

Women's sports viewership continues to grow in 2026, with WNBA games on ABC and ESPN averaging 1.2 million viewers, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. This rise is largely attributed to star player Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. In the first half of 2026, total viewing minutes for women's sports reached 28.3 billion, an 18% increase over 2025. A Nielsen study shows 52% of the U.S. population now expresses interest in women's sports. ESPN has responded by shifting programming to prioritize women's sports, showcasing an evolving in sports broadcasting that attracts diverse audiences.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•WNBA games average 1.2 million viewers this season
•Viewing minutes for women's sports hit 28.3 billion in 2026
•Nielsen study shows 52% of U.S. population interested in women's sports
•ESPN has shifted focus to women's sports programming

Latest Updates

7:30 PMYahoo Sports — Women’s sports viewership surging in 2026

What they're saying

"
ESPN pivoted from Sunday Night Baseball to Women’s Sports Sundays this summer, as part of a broader embrace of women’s sports such as the WNBA and NWSL. Fueled largely by the enormous draw of Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, it’s proved a prudent business move, as WNBA games on ABC and ESPN have averaged 1.2…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball