The 2024 WNBA season was historic on many levels, with Game 5 of the WNBA Finals between the champion New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx ending with the highest-performing game in terms of viewership. Ta.
The overtime thriller, in which the New York Liberty defeated the Lynx 67-62 to clinch the franchise's first title, was the most-watched WNBA Finals game across all networks in the past 25 years. According to ESPNciting Nielsen data.
The game, which aired on ESPN, drew 3.3 million viewers, making it the fourth most-watched WNBA Finals game in history across all networks.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones, 35, lifts the MVP trophy after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in overtime to win the 2024 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. (Wendell Cruz Imagine image)
Overall, this year's WNBA Finals saw a 115% increase in viewership compared to last year's series.
The WNBA's ratings have increased significantly this year, thanks in large part to a rookie class headlined by Indiana Fever top pick Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky dominant forward Angel Reese. It is a well-known fact that this happened.
Caitlin Clark calls on WNBA to adjust schedule amid offers from rival leagues and possible player lockout
Clark, the WNBA Rookie of the Year, attracted large audiences during two playoff games between the Fever and the Connecticut Sun. The first game had a record audience of 1.84 million viewers, and the second game had a record audience of 2.54 million viewers.
The Fever lost both games to the Sun, but considering they were playing the NFL on Sunday, just as the Liberty and Lynx met in Game 5 of the Finals, it just goes to show how entertaining this season has been. I understand.
These finals were also Game 6 of the NLCS, in which the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets to earn a ticket to the World Series.
New York Liberty forward Brianna Stewart, 30, engages in a post-up with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, 24, during the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Aim. (Wendell Cruz Imagine image)
The finals pitted the top two playoff seeds from the star-studded No. 1 Liberty, led by WNBA perennial All-Stars Brianna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. Nafeesa Collier's No. 2 Lynx allowed New York a goal in their own half and ultimately ran out of gas in overtime at Barclays Center.
The WNBA has seen an impressive increase in viewership, game attendance, and engagement on social media.
And with a new media rights deal negotiated as part of the NBA's own deal worth $2.2 billion over 11 seasons, it's expected to continue its steady upward trajectory.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, 20, celebrates winning the 2024 WNBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in overtime at Barclays Center. (Wendell Cruz Imagine image)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The league is also expanding with the arrival of new teams, with the Golden State Valkyries scheduled to begin their first season in 2025. Toronto and Portland, which will become the first WNBA teams outside the United States, also plan to form new teams. .
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
