The WNBA Finals sweep by the Aces over the Mercury on ESPN on Friday night marks a significant media triumph. With just under 1.5 million viewers through Game 3, this year's series is poised to be the most-watched WNBA Finals since 2000. The double-digit percentage increase compared to the Liberty-Aces series last year is impressive, and the absence of Caitlin Clark in the playoffs is expected to boost ESPN's numbers by over 10% for the entire postseason. However, the real test lies in maintaining this momentum as management and labor negotiations loom. (https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/10/13/wnba-enters-crucial-cba-talks-amid-record-breaking-season/)
The MLB's Wild Card and Divisional Series rounds have shown promise, but the LCS faces challenges with smaller markets like Seattle-Tacoma and Milwaukee. Toronto's lack of Nielsen data complicates the situation. Fox Sports, however, is up 11% from the 2024 ALDS through Game 4 of the ALDS (both series).
Despite my reservations about the NHL's 5pm ET season opener, ESPN's opening day tripleheader saw a 37% year-over-year increase. The Blackhawks-Panthers game drew 743,000 viewers, a 114% surge from the Blues-Kraken game last season. Penguins-Rangers in prime time attracted 1.09 million viewers, a 38% increase from Bruins-Panthers in 2024. The Avalanche-Kings late-prime time game saw a 2% decline in viewers compared to the Blackhawks-Mammoth game last year.
