The WNBA is at a viewership high, and this year's WNBA Finals are no different. Even against the backdrop of a college football weekend full of upsets at every level, the WNBA Finals still drew strong viewership.
According to an NBC statement, Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, which featured the Atlanta Dream visiting the Golden State Valkyries, averaged 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock. That viewership number indicates the game was the most-watched opening of the WNBA Finals in league history. It was also the first time NBC broadcast a WNBA Finals since August 31, 2002.
NBC Sports' report also breaks down local market viewership, with San Francisco's the highest among the markets featured.
| Market |
Rating |
| San Francisco |
4.49 |
| New Orleans |
3.04 |
| Richmond |
2.12 |
| Hartford-New Haven |
2.07 |
| San Antonio |
2.06 |
| Atlanta |
2.02 |
The game was a thrilling 68-64 battle that was consistently close throughout. Atlanta hopped out to a 22-14 lead at the end of the first quarter, but ultimately Golden State stormed back, scoring 28 points in the second quarter. Both teams found a way to remain in the game heading into the fourth quarter, but ultimately the Valkyries secured the victory behind Gabby Williams' 26 points and three 3-pointers.
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals set the stage for Game 2, in which Angel Reese led the team to a 79-65 win to split the series. Reese finished with 30 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and hitting one 3-pointer. Now, the dream heads back to Atlanta, where Game 3 will be hosted at State Farm Arena on Wednesday before a sold-out crowd.