Since its debut in 1997, The WNBA has been a thrilling spectacle for basketball fans. While the league’s average game viewership hovers in the thousands, a select few have attracted millions of watchers in front of the TV. Here are the most-watched games in the league’s 28-year history.
Liberty vs. Sparks (June 21, 1997)
The WNBA’s inaugural match is the highest-rated game in the league’s history. A staggering 5.04 million viewers tuned in to watch the New York Liberty take on the Los Angeles Sparks and cheered when Rebecca Lobo led Liberty to a 67-57 victory at the Great Western Forum.
Sting vs. Mercury (June 22, 1997)
A day after the WNBA’s debut, the Phoenix Mercury hosted the Charlotte Sting in another thrilling matchup that pulled 3.59 million viewers. The league also recorded its first home team victory, as Phoenix captured the win 76-59.
Team USA vs. Team WNBA (July 20, 2024)
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game was a showstopper, with 3.44 million viewers glued to their screens. This wasn’t just any All-Star game; it pitted Team WNBA against the U.S. national team. Though Team USA definitely shined on the court, the WNBA ultimately won 117-109.
Liberty vs. Comets (September 5, 1999)
Thanks to Liberty’s Teresa Weatherspoon’s half-court shot in Game 2, this 1999 WNBA Finals became one of the most unforgettable in history. With 3.25 million fans on the edge of their seats, the Comets returned strong in Game 3 to claim the title.
Sparks vs. Mercury (June 14, 1998)
On June 14, 1998, Cheryl Miller’s Phoenix Mercury crushed the Los Angeles Sparks 70-60. This game was particularly memorable because it overlapped with Michael Jordan’s final NBA championship win, helping to draw in 2.89 million viewers.
Liberty vs. Comets (August 30, 1997)
In the league’s formative years, the Liberty-Comets rivalry attracted millions of fans, with this particular finals game garnering 2.85 million views. It was also a historic moment for the Comets, as they secured their first championship title with a 65-51 win.
Liberty vs. Comets (May 29, 2000)
Another chapter in the Liberty-Comets rivalry unfolded on May 29, 2000, where the Comets emerged victorious again, winning 84-68. As part of a doubleheader with the NBA playoffs, the game’s timing helped boost its viewership to 2.74 million, further highlighting the league’s appeal.
Sparks vs. Comets (August 29, 1999)
Coming just days after the passing of Comets player Kim Perrot, the Comets played with unmatched determination, honoring their teammates’ memory with an 83-55 win against the Sparks. 2.62 million fans also tuned in to watch a game that stood as a tribute to a beloved player.
Comets vs. Liberty (June 13, 1998)
Gathering an outstanding 2.55 million views, this intense clash saw the Comets, led by Sheryl Swoopes, win 73-62 in a rematch of the previous year’s finals. The stakes were high, and it was marked as one of the most memorable games in WNBA history.
Sparks vs. Comets (August 9, 1997)
August’s game was a narrow 72-71 win for the Comets. It boosted network ratings in large numbers. This close contest attracted 2.53 million viewers and marked yet another significant moment in the WNBA’s early history.
Comets vs. Liberty (August 8, 1999)
Once again, the Comets and Liberty appear on this list, but with a twist that shocked 2.46 million viewers. Though the Comets delivered a stellar performance as usual, the Liberty out-smarted them with a close 74-71 victory.
Fever vs. Sky (June 16, 2024)
Thanks to famous players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the 2024 season witnessed leaps in WNBA views across multiple networks. Indiana Fever’s 91-83 win against the Chicago Sky on CBS became the most-watched WNBA game in 23 years, with an average of 2.25 million viewers.
Fever vs. Sun (May 14, 2024)
Indiana’s Caitlin Clark was the center of 2024 WNBA attention, raking in views in any game she appeared in. At the start of the season, the Fever’s opener against the Connecticut Sun on ESPN2 attracted 2.1 million viewers, peaking at 2.3 million.
Fever vs. Liberty (May 18, 2024)
Four days after their matchup against Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever put on a thrilling show against Liberty, keeping the 1.71 million ABC viewers glued to their screens. Despite Fever’s efforts, the New York Liberty ultimately secured a 91-80 victory.
Fever vs. Sun (May 20, 2024)
The Fever’s home game against the Connecticut Sun on ESPN pulled in 1.56 million viewers. Tied at 84-84 with 10.9 seconds to go, Connecticut scored 18 points, securing an 88-84 win and leaving Fever to mourn their fourth consecutive loss.
15 Unforgettable WNBA Games That Dominated TV Screens